Santa Cruz City Council passes living-wage increase

The Santa Cruz City Council voted on and passed a living wage increase during Tuesday's City Council meeting.

Depending on several factors, the living-wage for workers in the City of Santa Cruz would be $17.90 or $19.53. The change would go into effect July 1.

According to the council, the wage would depend on whether employees received minimum vacation leave, sick leave and health insurance benefits. The smaller amount would go to employees who also received the stated benefits. 

Currently, the minimum wage is $12-$13 per hour (depending on company size) as set by the State of California.

According to a minimum wage calculator created by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a living wage in Santa Cruz County is $15.58 for one adult without children. 

In 2000, Santa Cruz passed the nation's highest minimum wage at $11 an hour, or $12 without benefits.

Watch the video here on the KSBW website