D.C. Council panel hears testimony on "living wage" bill targeting large retailers A D.C. Council committee heard testimony Wednesday for and against a bill that would require large retailers such as Wal-Mart, Costco, Home Depot and others to meet a "living wage" standard for employees. The bill, introduced by Chairman Phil Mendelson (D), would require businesses operating in an indoor space of more than 75,000 square feet and whose corporate parent has sales of at least $1 billion to pay a living wage of $11.75 per hour. More than 30 individuals were invited to testify before the Committee on Business, Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. The room was packed with people wearing T-shirts or stickers in support of or opposition to the bill, and the crowd spilled into the hallway outside the hearing. There were several outbursts from the spirited crowd, and two people were escorted out by security after interrupting the proceedings. Several of those opposed to the bill said the definition of large retailers was arbitrary and discriminatory. Barbara Lang, president of the D.C. Chamber of Commerce, said the bill would hurt local small businesses competing against these high wages and would also discourage large retailers from bringing new stores and jobs to the District. "Just when the District is truly gaining traction to attract new major retail outlets for redevelopment, the council is holding a hearing on legislation that would provide further proof to business that the District is not interested in changing its unfriendly business ways," she said. Several people in support of the bill said they support raising wages across the board, but that starting with large retailers whose sales top $1 billion was an important step. "It is time that we as a community break this downward spiral towards poverty wages and declare our commitment to a different model of economic development in the District of Columbia," said Kesh Ladduwahetty of the Fair Budget Coalition. These businesses enjoy the substantial profits and market dominance that allows them the flexibility to pay their workers $11.75.