NAACP Files Lawsuit over Law Blocking Birmingham Minimum Wage
The NAACP filed a federal lawsuit Thursday contending a law that blocked a minimum wage increase in Birmingham is racially motivated. The suit names Alabama Governor Robert Bentley and Attorney General Luther Strange. Plaintiffs include Greater Birmingham Ministries and two fast-food workers.
The State of Alabama has no minimum wage, relying instead on the federal floor of $7.25 an hour. So the Birmingham City Council passed an ordinance raising the city’s minimum wage to $10.10. But in February the legislature passed and the governor signed a bill that says only the state can set minimum wages, effectively nullifying Birmingham’s action.
The suit contents a majority-white legislature is blocking the will of a majority-black council and city. It also says the law disproportionately affects African-Americans because they would be more likely to benefit from a wage increase.
The law does not specifically mention Birmingham and applies statewide. Still, attorney Penda Hair says there doesn’t need to be a smoking gun to prove racial motivation.
“You don’t have to have a confession that ‘I’m doing this in order to hurt people of color.’ You look at all the factors,” says Hair.
Greater Birmingham Ministries Executive Director Scott Douglas says the law prevents a sincere effort to promote the prosperity of the city.
“[The city’s] motto is ‘the people are the city,'” says Douglas. “The legislature must think Birmingham is an uppity city and they’re making a joke of that motto.”
The suit does not seek monetary damages. Instead it calls on the court to block the state law so the local minimum wage can go into effect.
A statement from Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange says the lawsuit is really about a dispute between the Birmingham City Council and the state legislature, but he says his office will vigorously defend the law. The governor’s office did not immediately respond for comment.
March for Life attendees may have been exposed to measles, DC Health warns
D.C. health officials are contacting people possibly exposed to measles at the March for Life in January, as confirmed cases rise nationwide.
U.S. gave Ukraine and Russia June deadline to reach peace agreement, Zelenskyy says
"The Americans are proposing the parties end the war by the beginning of this summer," Zelenskyy said, speaking to reporters on Friday.
U.K. leader’s chief of staff quits over hiring of Epstein friend as U.S. ambassador
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff resigned Sunday over the furor surrounding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as U.K. ambassador to the U.S. despite his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump administration lauds plastic surgeons’ statement on trans surgery for minors
A patient who came to regret the top surgery she got as a teen won a $2 million malpractice suit. Then, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons clarified its position that surgery is not recommended for transgender minors.
What you should know about Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show
Will the Puerto Rican superstar bring out any special guests? Will there be controversy? Here's what you should know about what could be the most significant concert of the year.
Sunday Puzzle: -IUM Pandemonium
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe plays the puzzle with KPBS listener Anthony Baio and Weekend Edition Puzzlemaster Will Shortz.
