The Oregonian presents the impact of the change for several residents.

Ron's Perspective,

The minimum wage of $6.90 leaves minimum wage worker's income less than one fourth the average wage for government workers. Bureau of Labor Statistics below:

In September 2002, employer costs in State and local governments averaged $31.89 per hour worked. Wages and salaries, which accounted for 70.2 percent of the total, averaged $22.40, while benefits, which accounted for the remaining 29.8 percent, averaged $9.49.

And Government workers obtain 50% higher wages than private industry:

In September 2002, private industry employer compensation costs averaged $22.01 per hour worked. Wages and salaries averaged $16.00 per hour (72.7 percent), while benefits averaged $6.01 (27.3 percent.)