By Kent Hoover
Washington Business Journal and numerous others, April 4, 2016
Here’s an eyebrow-raising story for you: 79 percent of business executives around the country support raising the minimum wage in their states. That’s according to a survey of 1,000 executives of businesses of all sizes conducted by Republican pollster Frank Lutz’s firm for the Council of State Chambers, a national organization for state chamber of commerce executives. The minimum wage question was part of a wide-ranging survey done for internal purposes, not for public consumption, but it was leaked to the Center for Media and Democracy. This liberal group contends the survey results show that state chambers that oppose minimum wage increases don’t represent the views of most business owners. ...
Many chambers of commerce and other business groups oppose minimum wage increases, contending many small businesses can’t afford higher labor costs. For example, 57 local chambers and state trade associations united in a campaign against a $15 minimum wage in New York.
But some business groups do support raising the minimum wage.
“An increased minimum wage is the right move for businesses and workers alike,” said Cynthia DiBartolo, chairperson of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce. “The economy will benefit from the increased spending. This is exactly the catalyst that will keep businesses in this great state growing, reduce inequity, and empower consumers to spend more money in their community.”
There’s even a national coalition, Business for a Fair Minimum Wage.
“When businesses pay wages employees can actually live on, turnover drops, productivity goes up and business leaders can focus more on improving their business for the long term,” said Holly Sklar, who heads this organization. “New York and California’s minimum wage raises are an important investment in shared prosperity and progress.” ...
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