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Earlier this morning, Mayor Vincent Gray vetoed the living wage bill, which proposed to guarantee employees of large retailers a minimum wage of $12.50 per hour.

As we outlined earlier, Gray vetoed the bill for several reasons, but mostly because he felt it wasn’t a “true living-wage measure” for District denizens. Gray said that he’ll work with the Council to instead “pass a reasonable increase to the District’s minimum wage for all workers.” Soon after Gray’s announcement, Wal-Mart spokesman Steven Restivo told DCist that plans are back on for the development of the three Walmart stores, which were put on hold after the LRAA passed the Council in June.

So, what are some other reactions to Gray’s veto of the living wage bill?

Well, it seems to be mixed. In an email to DCist, Councilmember Vincent Orange’s (D-At Large) director of communications, Manny Geraldo, says that Orange will introduce an emergency bill at Tuesday’s Council meeting to grant large retailers in the District who pay their employees a “living wage” a $1,000 tax credit.

In short, the bill would grant all large retailers located in the District whose parent companies gross revenues total $1 billion or more a $1,000 tax credit for each District of Columbia resident employee that makes less than $50,000 and is paid a living wage.

Meanwhile, the National Retail Federation is, obviously, happy about Gray’s veto. In a press release, senior vice president for government relations David French said that he applauds Gray’s veto and that it brings “power back to D.C.’s ‘Open for Business’ sign.”

The Mayor recognizes the positive role that retail plays in economic development, and retailers’ unmatched ability to improve communities and provide desperately-needed jobs and careers. His veto is a testament to the commitment he has to DC residents, especially young people.

Additionally, the D.C. Chamber of Commerce released a press release applauding Gray’s decision to veto the bill. Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Barbara B. Lang said that “this is a major victory for the residents of the District of Columbia and the business community,” and says that they’re ready to keep fighting to kill this bill the D.C. Council decides to override the Mayor’s veto.

This is a major victory for the residents of the District of Columbia and the business community. Mayor Gray should be commended for vetoing this irresponsible bill that undermines the work we’re doing to increase employment opportunities for District residents.

This decision reaffirms Mayor Gray’s commitment to ensuring the District remains a viable place to do business. We’re now in a position to be the economic hub for our region and end the retail leakage that has plagued our city for too long.

Of course this is not the end of this issue, and the Councilmembers who support this bill will seek to override the Mayor’s veto. We’re ready for this fight, and intend to continue our aggressive stand against this misguided bill.

Meanwhile, other Councilmembers have expressed their views of Gray’s decision over Twitter.

In order to override the mayor’s veto, the D.C. Council needs the support of at least nine members.

Filed Under: david grosso, jim graham, large retailer accountability act, lraa, mayor vincent gray, vincent orange, yvette alexander,