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By Scott Kilbury
FOX21 News, October 11, 2016

VIDEO

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — For the first time in 10 years, people in Colorado will have a chance to vote on the minimum wage. Amendment 70 proposes to raise the current wage over the next four years, but it has many business owners divided. ...

Just two miles and 7 minutes down the road, you’ll find Poor Richard’s Cafe.

“The average employee has been with us three years,” owner Richard Skorman said.  “We have quite a few who have been with us 15 and 20 years.”

Skorman started with a bookstore 41 years ago.  He and his wife have since added a cafe, restaurant and toy store as well as 54 employees.  Michelle Jones is one who has been with the place for three years.

“I love working here,”  Jones said.  “It’s a family environment. We all get along. And, we’re paid decent and it it helps to keep you here.”

Skorman says he starts his employees at $12.50 an hour.  He believes everyone should receive a livable wage.

“What we realize if we have people who work with us for a long time and they do the job of an employee and a half,” he said.  “So, it’s important to have people to stay with us. Plus, they’re much more pleasant with our customers and that’s the key to small business success.” ...

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