DC raises minimum wage to $12.50
WASHINGTON - D.C.'s minimum wage rises to $12.50 from $10.50 on Saturday. The increase is the first of four to get the city to a $15 minimum wage in 2020. From that point forward, minimum wage will increase with inflation.
D.C. Superior Court Judge Maurice Ross ruled in favor of a $15 minimum wage in April, reversing his initial decision made against the initiative. Lawmakers approved the bill proposed by Mayor Muriel Bowser on June 20.
The D.C. for $15 campaign has been working to achieve a minimum wage increase for the last year.
With the passage of the Fair Shot Minimum Wage Amendment, tipped workers' minimum base wages will increase to $5 an hour from $2.77 by 2020 and subsequently increase with inflation.
Some small business owners are concerned about the increase and worry that it will adversely affect customer service or cause an increase in consumer cost. Other business owners are hopeful the increase will strengthen communities and contribute to a more productive workforce.