Key Findings

1. Bellingham Initiative 1 would increase costs and reduces available hours for employees to work.
2. Some businesses would likely be forced to close or re-locate outside of the Bellingham city limits to avoid the increase in minimum wage.
3. The harm caused by Initiative 1 would fall hardest on low-income workers and the most vulnerable families in the community.
4. The requirements placed on employees and employers by Initiative 1 would cost both the employees and employers more money, destroy jobs and create an uncompetitive job market in Bellingham that would slow economic growth in the region.

Introduction

This November, voters in the City of Bellingham will consider ballot Initiative 1, which if passed would:

• Require all employers to pay $1.00 more per hour than that state minimum wage, increasing to $2.00 more in 2025;
• The measure would also cover people who work at home.

The requirements imposed on employees and employers by Initiative 1 would cost both them more money, destroy jobs and create an uncompetitive job market in Bellingham that would slow economic growth in the region. It would also deny earning opportunities to those who are seeking jobs and want to work, especially for low-skilled and low-income workers.

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