The Lincoln City chamber of Commerce has scheduled their next chamber lunch forum for Tuesday January 26th. The chamber luncheon will feature a panel discussing the minimum wage issue. The panel includes Representative David Gomberg, Bruce Polvi of the Electronic Superstore and Lori Arnold from Granny’s Attic and Mayor Don Williams plus other possible panelists. The legislative session in Salem begins soon and the proposal by Gov. Kate Brown to incrementally increase minimum wage is picking up steam. At the chamber luncheon panelists will answer pre-prepared questions as well as questions from the audience.

State Representative David Gomberg said there are two proposals that will be coming up on the ballot in November regarding minimum wage. One would increase the minimum wage to $13.50 and the other would increase it to $15 and if passed this would go into affect next January. He said the Governors proposal is a tiered system that would increase the wages over a six year period. Gomberg said he likes the idea of increasing wages over time instead of all at once.

The Governors proposal also increases minimum wage more in the Portland area where she says the cost of living is much higher than in the rest of the state. The Chambers intention is to have a balanced panel with some panelists for the bill and some opposed to the bill. The lunch forum is Tuesday, January 26th at 11:45am at the Lincoln City Community Center on NE Oar Place. Lunch is $12 and those wishing to attend should call the chamber office at 994-3070.