Sacramento, California - Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) released the following statement after the Assembly passed SB 3, landmark legislation that raises California’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2023:

"It is important that we consistently evaluate whether California has the right mix of policies and programs to help small business be competitive and workers to have a livable wage," said Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia.  “Every day, I talk to constituents who are struggling to make ends meet.  They work two to three jobs and still can't pay for housing, child care, food, transportation, and the other necessities of life. I believe that SB 3 will provide some assistance for California’s working poor.

“I felt the author and sponsors of SB 3 drafted a bill with built in protections for businesses big and small.” continued Assemblymember Garcia. “Currently a proposition on the minimum wage is being considered for this year’s ballot. The proposition will raise the minimum wage with no controls. SB 3 will gradually increase the minimum wage to $15 dollars by 2023. The bill also has a provision that halts the wage increase in case of a recession. And thirdly, small businesses have an extra year before having to fully implement the increased wages. These mechanisms will allow us to still have control over how to implement this policy.  Ultimately this is a practical approach in helping businesses stay competitive in our growing economy,” Assemblymember Garcia concluded.