September 2015 Minneapolis Works The Feldman Group, Inc.

2 A majority of voters believe the Minneapolis economy is getting better Is the economy in Minneapolis generally getting better, getting worse, or staying about the same?

3 Voters believe the economic environment is improving for businesses but the middle class, working families, and low-income people are struggling Here in Minneapolis, do you think things are getting better, getting worse, or staying about the same for each of the following.

4 Support for proposals to address Minneapolis labor issues is broad, with 7 out of 8 proposals receiving majority strong support Here are some proposals that may come before the Minneapolis City Council. Please tell me whether you want your Councilmember to vote yes or no on each one. If you feel strongly or moderately about how they should vote, please say so.

5 Voters think the current minimum wage is too low, and broadly support raising it A majority of voters say that people who work full time but still do not earn enough to support themselves or their families is a problem very often (27 percent) or often (40 percent). Sixty eight (68) percent say that the current $9 minimum wage is too low. A total of 82 percent support raising the minimum wage to $15 now or over time. A total of 88 percent support raising the minimum wage to $12 now or over time.

6 A Plurality of voters strongly support establishing an office to enforce business accountability Some people have proposed a new Office of Business Accountability (SPLIT A)/Office of Labor Standards (SPLIT B) that has the authority to investigate suspected violations and enforce the city’s laws governing wages and fair treatment of employees. Do you support or oppose such an office within city government?

7 Voters deeply approve of the city working with community organizations to enforce laws Would you approve or disapprove of the city working with community organizations to determine whether the city’s laws governing wages and fair treatment of employees are being violated? (IF CHOICE: And do you feel that way strongly or moderately?)

8 Voters believe the economic situation in the city is getting better for businesses, but that low-income people, the middle class, and working families are still struggling. Support for a minimum wage increase is broad There is broad support for City Council labor and wage proposals Voters support establishing an office to enforce the city’s laws governing wages and the fair treatment of employees Conclusions

September 2015 Minneapolis Works The Feldman Group, Inc.