Melendez Critical of Vote to Increase Mininum Wage

Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez today released a statement criticizing the State Assembly's passage of legislation that would raise the minimum wage in California to $15 -- highest in the nation.

"Californians pay top dollar at the pump, for utilities, education, and housing thanks to the Democrat majority’s failed policies," said Melendez (R-Lake Elsinore). "Today’s Democrat-only negotiated deal will push more unaffordable costs onto Californians, as the price of goods and services will rise.

"Small businesses, which create half of the state's jobs, can't afford another skyrocketing cost and will be forced to lay off employees. As a result, there will be fewer jobs for the very people this is meant to support. When will the Democrat majority stop pushing policies that drive up prices, kill jobs, and make our state more unaffordable to live in?"

The Assembly bill passed by a 48-26 margin today. The proposal now moves on to the State Senate. The increase would be scheduled to take effect by 2022.