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013 Td � <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> i <br /> LIVING WAGE DAY <br /> PROCLAMATION <br /> i <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 i <br /> 2009 ; and <br /> f <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 r` <br /> in poverty despite full-time employment ; and <br /> E <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 1 <br /> turnover and absenteeism, better job performance , and more positive customer I <br /> engagement; and 1% <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 F <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 . is <br /> This the 18th day of June , 2024 . <br /> Ja ezetta Wdford, Chair <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />