SD City Council Overrides Mayor, Approves Minimum Wage Hike

Rate hike to $9.75 to take effect January 1, 2015.

August 22, 2014

SAN DIEGO — Despite a veto from Mayor Kevin Faulconer, the San Diego City Council overrode the mayor in passing a minimum wage hike earlier this week, CNN Money reports.

The Council approved a gradual wage increase, which takes effect January 1, 2015, when the rate will increase from $9 an hour to $9.75, before increasing to $11.50 by 2017. Beginning in 2019, the rate will be tied to inflation.

Faulconer had vetoed minimum wage increase legislation on August 8, citing “heavier burdens” on small businesses, just a week after the Council had approved it.

In response to the veto override, the San Diego Small Business Coalition said it plans to circulate a petition that would require a referendum vote to approve the wage increase before it takes effect. The petition must include at least 33,866 signatures and be submitted to the city clerk within 30 days to earn a spot on the ballot.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement