Councilmember O’Farrell grew up in a working-class household and, throughout his childhood, his family struggled to make ends meet. He knows firsthand how important it is to pay workers a fair wage, and to treat them with dignity and respect.
In 2015, Councilmember O’Farrell and his colleagues voted to establish a $15 minimum wage in the City, making Los Angeles a national leader on this issue.
Councilmember O’Farrell was cited as a leader in ensuring that this progressive policy was passed in a manner that also ensured small businesses would be able to adapt to the change.
After Los Angeles’s action was taken, the State of California and other municipalities have followed suit.