The state's minimum wage hasn't changed in nearly a decade. Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law in 2016 to raise it to $15 an hour and automatically adjust for inflation.
While California’s minimum wage is one of the highest in the country and more than double the federal requirement, many workers still struggle with a skyrocketing cost of living. The current minimum wage is about $33,000 a year and the average cost of living is about $53,082 a year, according to recent federal data.
The measure is being spearheaded by Joe Sanberg, a wealthy Los Angeles investor and anti-poverty activist.
“This measure will mean three meals a day instead of two,” Sanberg said. “Or the ability to pay for important medical care, rent or clothing. Every dollar matters.”
