Speaking at the summit were Mike Shealy, budget director of the S.C. State Senate,
and Laura Ullrich, Winthrop associate dean for undergraduate programs and professor
of economics. Ullrich presented information about the differences between minimum, poverty and
living wages, and how they compare to basic family expenses and housing costs in York
County. 
ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA — Rock Hill Mayor John Gettys committed the city to paying a livable wage of $14.50 per hour for all full-time
staff by Dec. 1.
He made the announcement at an Oct. 18 Living Wage Summit held at Winthrop University. Also speaking at the summit were Mike Shealy, budget director of the S.C. State Senate, and Laura Ullrich, Winthrop associate
dean for undergraduate programs and professor of economics.
Shealy presented economic and demographic data about South Carolina and statistics
on York County employment growth and housing costs. He shared how business investments
and strong economic development impact Rock Hill and York County, as well as other
population centers in South Carolina.
Ullrich presented information about the differences between minimum, poverty and living
wages, and how they compare to basic family expenses and housing costs in York County.
She illustrated how expenses such as day care, transportation and housing affect the
living wage calculation and a family's ability to meet basic needs in Rock Hill and
York County.
Gettys concluded the forum hosted by the City of Rock Hill Community Relations Council by saying: "The strong economic development happening in our area, new bus transportation
and many other positive initiatives and opportunities makes this a great time to be
talking about a living wage."
The mayor said he would like to see the Rock Hill community have more living wage
conversations. Citizens can attend upcoming community meetings to discuss the living
wage and other topics including the transit system, public safety, the Rock Hill Sports
& Event Center, Opportunity Zones and the Knowledge Park Action Plan.
Meetings will be held on Oct. 25 at the Glencairn Garden Learning Center and Oct. 29 at Ebinport Elementary School.
For more information, contact Katie Quinn with the City of Rock Hill at Katie.quinn@cityofrockhill.com or call her at 803/326-3791.
