Bloomington voters support living wage

11/5/2008 8:54:00 AM
By: Dara Brockmeyer

Bloomington voters seem to support the idea of a living wage of $9.81 per hour with an annual cost of living adjustment. The final tally for the advisory referendum was 65 percent for it and 35 percent against. Laurie Bergner with the Central Illinois Organizing Project is pleased. She says the next step is implementation -- that's up to the city council.

   
Bergner doesn't think it will take the tax increase Mayor Steve Stockton has suggested in the past.

   
The living wage question isn't on any particular agenda for a city council vote. But, the city is expected to address the issue in the future. Stockton says the city council was paying close attention to the vote.

   
Stockton says the city will look at several options, including program cuts and hiring fewer seasonal workers. He says a property tax increase would be a last resort.

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