Why I’m voting to increase the minimum wage in Portland | Opinion – The Portland Press Herald

Report on the “Question A” Minimum Wage Initiative in Portland

Aligning Local Economic Policy with Global Sustainable Development Goals

An initiative in Portland, designated “Question A,” proposes a phased increase of the municipal minimum wage to $19 per hour by 2028. This policy is framed as a critical measure to advance local economic stability and align with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative aims to create a more inclusive and sustainable urban economy by ensuring all workers earn a livable wage.

Socio-Economic Impact Analysis and SDG Alignment

SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

The primary objective of Question A is to address poverty and economic precarity among Portland’s low-wage workers. The current minimum wage is insufficient to cover basic living costs, particularly housing, for a significant portion of the workforce. By establishing a livable wage, the initiative directly targets SDG 1.

• Approximately 10,000 workers in Portland currently earn less than the proposed $19 per hour wage.
• These workers are employed in essential sectors, including restaurant services, child care, retail, and healthcare.
• Increasing their disposable income promotes SDG 8 by stimulating the local economy, as studies indicate low-income workers predominantly spend their earnings within their community. This fosters inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality)

The initiative is a targeted intervention to mitigate income disparities affecting marginalized groups, thereby advancing SDG 10 and SDG 5. Analysis of the affected workforce reveals a disproportionate impact on specific demographics:

1. Women: Over 5,500 of the affected workers are women, making the wage increase a significant step toward gender economic equality.
2. Older Workers: Nearly 2,000 workers aged 55 and older would benefit, addressing economic insecurity among this demographic.
3. Minority Groups: 1,500 workers who identify as Black, Hispanic, American Indian, or Asian would receive a wage increase, helping to reduce racial and ethnic income gaps.

Policy Framework and Economic Viability

A Structured Approach to Sustainable Growth

The Portland City Council designed the initiative with a gradual implementation schedule to allow businesses adequate time to adjust, ensuring economic stability is maintained. The wage target is strategically benchmarked to maximize worker earnings without negatively impacting job growth, a core principle of SDG 8.

• The proposed $19 per hour wage is set at 60% of Portland’s projected median wage for 2028 ($31.60).
• This 60% threshold is recognized as an economically sound benchmark. The Maine State Chamber of Commerce noted in 2016 that minimum wage increases up to this level can produce a net positive economic benefit for both workers and business owners.

Stakeholder Endorsement and Contribution to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)

A Broad Coalition for an Inclusive City

The initiative is supported by a diverse coalition of stakeholders, reflecting a community-wide commitment to making Portland a more sustainable and equitable city, in line with SDG 11. The ability for workers to afford to live in the city where they work is fundamental to urban stability and resilience.

Key Supporters Include:

• State Legislators: Senator Rachel Talbot Ross, Majority Leader Matt Moonen, Representative Grayson Lookner, and Representative Sam Zager.
• Municipal Leaders: A majority of the Portland City Council, including sponsors Regina Phillips and Kate Sykes, and Councilors Wes Pelletier and April Fournier.
• Labor and Community Organizations: IBEW, the Maine People’s Alliance, the Southern Maine Labor Council, Maine DSA, and the Portland Democratic City Committee.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty

  The article directly addresses poverty by highlighting that the current minimum wage leaves thousands of workers with “barely enough money to afford rent.” The proposed wage increase is a direct measure to combat poverty by increasing the income of the lowest-paid workers.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The core of the article is about ensuring a fair and livable wage for workers, which is a central component of “decent work.” It discusses how raising the minimum wage not only benefits workers but also strengthens the local economy (“low-income workers spend their money locally”) without slowing job growth, thus connecting to sustainable economic growth.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The article explicitly points out that low-wage workers include a disproportionate number of women (“More than 5,500”), older individuals (“Almost 2,000 are 55 and older”), and racial minorities (“1,500 are Black, Hispanic, American Indian or Asian”). By advocating for a wage increase for these groups, the initiative aims to reduce income inequality among different demographic groups within the city.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  By stating that “More than 5,500 of these workers are women,” the article underscores the gendered nature of low-wage work. The proposed policy to raise the minimum wage would have a significant positive impact on women’s economic standing, thereby promoting gender equality.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article emphasizes the goal of “Keeping Portland livable for all of us” and ensuring that workers “are able to afford to live here.” This connects to the sustainability of the community, as a city where its essential workforce cannot afford housing is not inclusive or sustainable in the long term.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 1: No Poverty

  • Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions. The proposal to raise the minimum wage is a direct policy intervention aimed at reducing the number of working poor in Portland.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men… and equal pay for work of equal value. The push for a $19/hour minimum wage is an effort to ensure “decent work” by providing a wage that is closer to a livable income.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. The initiative aims to improve the economic inclusion of women, older workers, and racial minorities by increasing their income.
  • Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality. A minimum wage increase is a clear example of a wage policy designed to achieve greater income equality.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  • Target 5.c: Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels. The minimum wage ordinance is a local policy that would economically empower the more than 5,500 women in low-wage jobs.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  • Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services. The article’s argument that the current wage is insufficient to afford rent directly links the wage increase to improving access to affordable housing.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Implied Indicators for SDG 1 & 11

  The article implies the use of housing affordability as an indicator of poverty. The statement that workers have “barely enough money to afford rent” suggests that the proportion of income spent on housing is a key metric. A reduction in this proportion for low-wage workers would indicate progress.

• Implied Indicators for SDG 8

  The article provides a specific wage level, “$19 an hour,” which serves as a direct, measurable indicator for decent work. Progress can be measured by tracking the average hourly earnings of the lowest-paid workers and their proximity to this target.

• Implied Indicators for SDG 10

  The article references a specific metric for setting the wage: “60% of the median wage for Portland.” This directly relates to Indicator 10.2.1 (Proportion of people living below 50 per cent of median income). The policy’s success could be measured by tracking the income of the lowest earners as a percentage of the city’s median income.

• Implied Indicators for SDG 5 & 10

  The article provides disaggregated data by identifying the number of affected workers by demographic group: “5,500 of these workers are women,” “Almost 2,000 are 55 and older,” and “1,500 are Black, Hispanic, American Indian or Asian.” These numbers serve as baseline indicators against which the impact of the wage increase on reducing inequality across gender, age, and race can be measured.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: pressherald.com