EUGENE, Ore. — Some local officials are discussing suing the state of Oregon over a recent increase to the state’s minimum wage.
The Register-Guard reports that the Lane County Board of Commissioners is considering joining the politically charged lawsuit proposed by Linn County leaders. It says the state’s wage increase and other worker-friendly laws amount to unfunded mandates to local governments.
Under the Oregon Constitution, the state Legislature must provide funding to cities or counties if it requires new programs or increased service. It’s unclear whether the language applies to labor policies.
The state didn’t provide money to cover the wage increase. The vast majority of local employees are paid more than minimum wage, but the policies do mean some additional costs.
Linn County Commissioner Roger Nyquist declined to say when the lawsuit will be filed.
