Biden Pushes For Minimum-Wage Increase During North Hollywood Visit
NORTH HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — During Vice President Joe Biden's trip to the Southland, he made a stop at a North Hollywood business Wednesday to voice his support for increasing the minimum wage.
As Biden walked into the Bobrick Washroom Equipment factory, he was flanked by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, two local leaders who have spearheaded raising the minimum wage in their respective jurisdictions.
Kuehl was visibly still elated from her victory Tuesday when the Board of Supervisors moved forward with a proposal to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2020.
"You really have set the tone for the country," Biden told the crowd.
The vice president said the Obama administration is trying to raise the minimum wage across the nation to $12 an hour. He said it will provide dignity to workers who are struggling to provide for their families while living below the poverty line.
Workers have called the wage increases a big win, while small businesses have voiced concern they may have to relocate.
Several streets had scheduled closures for Biden's visit. Tujunga Avenue was closed between Sherman Way and Vanowen Street from 12:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Southbound traffic on Rodeo Drive or El Camino Drive from Wilshire Boulevard will remain closed until 11 a.m. Thursday.
During Biden's stay, commuters should be mindful of the following closures:
Thursday
— Wilshire Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Beverly Drive will remain closed from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
— Santa Monica Boulevard between Sawtelle and Wilshire boulevards will be shut down from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
— Sepulveda Boulevard between Lincoln and Century boulevards will remain closed from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
City officials said bus routes should not be impacted by the traffic closures.
The vice president is believed to be staying in Beverly Hills.