In case you missed it, last Friday the California minimum wage increased to $10 an hour, despite vulnerable Congressman Steve Knight’s years-long record voting against minimum wage increases.
“Vulnerable Republican Congressman Steve Knight’s stalwart opposition to raising California’s minimum wage flies in the face of the needs of the 25th Congressional District,” said Barb Solish of the DCCC. “Unfortunately Knight has taken his extreme stance to Washington to prove just how out-of-touch he is.”
Background:
January 1, 2016: California Minimum Wage Increased To $10 Per Hour. “Starting Friday, the state minimum wage will increase from $9 to $10 an hour.” [Los Angeles Times, 12/31/15]
2013: Knight Voted Against The Law Raising The Minimum Wage From $8 to $9 In 2014, And To $10 This Year. In April 2013, Knight voted against AB10, which stated, “Existing law requires that, on and after January 1, 2008, the minimum wage for all industries be not less than $8.00 per hour. This bill would increase the minimum wage, on and after July 1, 2014, to not less than $9 per hour. The bill would further increase the minimum wage, on and after January 1, 2016, to not less than $10 per hour.” The legislation passed 26-11. [California Assembly AB10 Vote; 9/12/13; California AB 10, Enacted 9/25/13]
2008: Knight Opposed Raising The Minimum Wage Above $8. “Knight: The current minimum wage is sufficient at $8 an hour. Any raise in the minimum wage during these tough economic times would be hard on small business owners. With high energy costs, high insurance rates and rising employee costs, California’s businesses are already facing financial strains.” [Antelope Valley Press, 5/25/08]
2015: Knight Voted Against FY2016 Democratic Alternative Budget Plan That Included An Increase In The Minimum Wage. In March 2015, Knight voted against the Democratic alternative budget that “proposed more investment in education and infrastructure, new taxes on the wealthiest Americans, and several pet ideas including a higher minimum wage, paid sick leave, expanded early childhood education and a ban on tax breaks for executives unless they increase their employees’ wages.” The amendment failed 160 to 264. [H Con Res 27, Vote #139, 3/25/15; RealClearPolitics, 3/23/15]