Living Wage for Workers

Since his days as a San Francisco Supervisor, Leland Yee has fought to ensure that workers earn a fair wage. He has carried on this fight in Sacramento.

  • Increasing the Minimum Wage.
    Repeatedly supported a long overdue increase in California's minimum wage to $7.25/hr. effective January 2006, and $7.75 in January of 2007. (Vetoed by Governor).

  • California Living Wage Act.
    Fought to pass the California Living Wage Act, which requires the state and any qualified contractor and subcontractor to pay not less than a living wage to each of its employees. Living wage is defined at $10 per hour with health insurance coverage and $12 per hour without health insurance coverage. Vetoed by the Governor.

  • Training for higher wage jobs.
    Supported legislation funding programs that help students find living wage career paths and opportunities through the California Career Resources Network, and a bill strengthening vocational training programs around the state.

  • Gender Pay Equity.
    To guarantee equal work receives equal pay, Yee helped to pass a bill raising the penalties for violating Gender Pay Equity laws and to toughen the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement to guarantee more violators are caught and held accountable.