Nichole testified before the Olympia City Council about the need for $15.
“So, I’ve been working at the Westside McDonald’s for the past two years. I work 40 hours a week and I just recently finally got a twenty cent raise, which isn’t really a whole lot.
I bring home about $1000-$1100 a month. So, my rent alone is $850. If you include all my bills plus food since I’m not on state assistance because apparently I make too much for assistance, but not enough to like actually live, that brings my total cost per month to $1800. In order for me to live comfortably, I have three roommates.
I also have been trying really hard to save up money to get my license back - um, that’s been a really huge struggle for me.
A few months ago, I got extremely sick and missed four days of work. I had to borrow money in order to get all my bills paid. I’m trying really hard to get my life back on track. I just really wish I made enough money to get ahead instead of living paycheck to paycheck.
I just recently had to quit my second job because I found myself extremely stressed out - not sleeping and I went actually three months at a time without having a day off. So now it is even harder for me to save money.
I’m fighting for $15 an hour and maybe some paid sick days, so that I can continue to build my life up and continue to be independent. I’m asking you to take action so that all Olympia workers can earn a living wage.”