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2 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> LIVING WAGE DAY <br /> PROCLAMATION <br /> WHEREAS, chronic poverty is one of the biggest challenges to sustainable, diverse, and <br /> healthy communities; and <br /> WHEREAS, the costs of housing, food, childcare, transportation, and healthcare have <br /> increased substantially since the federal minimum wage of$7.25/hour was last raised in <br /> 2009; and <br /> WHEREAS, North Carolina is one of just 16 states that have not adjusted their $7.25 <br /> minimum wage, even for inflation, over the past fifteen years; and <br /> WHEREAS, the current living wage in Orange County is $17.65 per hour, more than <br /> $10/hour higher than the state and federal minimums; and <br /> WHEREAS, many workers in Orange County earn less than living wages and are living <br /> in poverty despite full-time employment; and <br /> WHEREAS, higher wages create more opportunities for those who work in Orange <br /> County to live here and enjoy shorter commutes that free up time for recreation, family, <br /> and community; and <br /> WHEREAS, employers who pay their workers a living wage report substantially less <br /> turnover and absenteeism, better job performance, and more positive customer <br /> engagement; and <br /> WHEREAS, Orange County Living Wage, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, currently <br /> has 260 employers on its directory who voluntarily pay a living wage and promotes them <br /> locally to build a base of engaged,informed consumers who support living-wage-certified <br /> businesses and nonprofits; and <br /> WHEREAS, Labor Day is a national holiday in recognition of the contributions of <br /> workers to the economy and broader community; <br /> NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of <br /> Orange County Government as a living-wage-certified employer, do hereby proclaim <br /> September 2, 2024, Labor Day, as Living Wage Day in Orange County and encourage <br /> consumers to support businesses paying their workers a living wage. <br /> This the 18th day of June, 2024. <br /> Jamezetta Bedford, Chair <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />