King County Council Update: Council passes highest minimum wage in nation

King County, Washington sent this bulletin at 05/17/2024 04:18 PM PDT

View this in your browser.
King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn

Your Weekly Update on What's Happening at the King County Council  

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This week, the King County Council voted 6-2 to instate a minimum wage of $20.29, plus annual increases for inflation, in unincorporated King County. Myself and Councilmember von Reichbauer were the two votes against this measure. 

I could not support such an aggressive wage hike because I fear that it will harm, rather than help, my constituents. Since it only effects unincorporated areas and does not effect cities, it gives rural communities in King County the highest minimum wage in the nation, and arguably the world. Rural areas simply don’t have the economic engine that cities do to support this burden.

Because of this, many small businesses—which are the lifeblood of our economy and the primary job providers—simply won’t survive. Workers will lose hours and benefits, resulting in lower take home salaries than before the minimum wage hike. This is bad policy, and not nearly nuanced enough to support small businesses and workers alike.

Though I introduced two amendments—one to include total compensation such as healthcare and tips in wage calculations, and one that would have exempted rural areas—unfortunately, both amendments failed. 

While this result is disappointing, I want to express my gratitude to all unincorporated area business owners, farmers, and employees who provided public testimony against this measure. I value your engagement and appreciate the time you invested in working for policies that support our community.

All my best,

Councilmember Reagan Dunn Signature

Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember
District 9

In the News