4/09/2003 03:00:00 PM (link)
Last night, members of the Champaign City Council killed the proposed Living Wage Resolution in a study session, voting 7-2 not to even *consider* adopting the measure.
Of the three large governing bodies in the area, the City of Champaign is the only one not to adopt it; the Urbana City Council (unanimously) and the Champaign County Board both passed it in a bipartisan vote.
Last night's meeting served to illustrate how out of step the CCC is with the public. City council members repeatedly acknowledged the strong show of public support for the measure, and then condescendingly "disagreed" with the constituents whom they are obligated to represent. Council members stated that they did not believe in a minimum wage, much less a living wage; that *individual* employees should negotiate fair wages and benefits with their employer; and expressed a lack of knowledge about wage scales and health insurance that are fundamental to work in America.
Of the council members, only Michael LaDue and Kathy Ennen voted to consider the measure. Remember this when elections come 'round again.
powered by blogger.