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By Ryan M. McDermott
The Washington Times, June 7, 2016

D.C. officials, business owners and labor unions reached an agreement Tuesday to raise the District's minimum wage to $15 an hour, but some business advocacy groups said the legislation will likely kill jobs or force companies to move to Virginia. Under the agreement, the minimum wage — currently $10.50 per hour and scheduled to rise to $11.50 on July 1 — will increase to $15 by 2020. The wage will be linked to inflation and rise automatically after that. The minimum wage for tipped workers — currently $2.77 an hour — will grow to $5 per hour by 2022, with automatic increases linked to inflation thereafter. ...

But a coalition of city business owners, including Busboys and Poets restaurateur Andy Shallal, supported the $15 minimum wage measure.

"A $15 minimum wage represents a better and more sustainable way to do business," said Mr. Shallal, who also serves as director of the mayor's D.C. Workforce Investment Council. "It will not only provide a more livable wage to all D.C. workers but also will create a windfall for businesses that will benefit directly from the added money circulating in the community — the proverbial rising tide lifting all boats."

Michael Lastoria, CEO and founder of the local chain &pizza, said a successful company is built on the backs of employees who are treated fairly.

"I'm all for raising the minimum wage," Mr. Lastoria said. "The success of our company can be directly attributed to our employees feeling appreciated, engaged and supported. It's a simple but critical concept: Allow your sta to thrive, and your company will thrive."

Gina Schaefer, who owns several Ace Hardware stores in the District, said raising pay will help local businesses even if their payroll costs initially go up.

"Raising pay at the bottom is good for the bottom line. When you pay your employees a living wage, you are showing them that you value their work, and in return they work hard, stay with us and help us grow our customer base," Ms. Schaefer said.

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