By Judy Amabile
Special to the Denver Business Journal, July 29, 2016
Regarding Ed Sealover’s article “Colorado business groups launch campaign to defeat minimum-wage hike” (denverbusinessjournal.com, 7/19/2016).
As a made in “USA manufacturer,” I couldn’t disagree more with those opposing an increase in the minimum wage to $12/hour by 2020. This ballot initiative is a modest but good way to start making an economy that works for everyone, employers and employees alike.
Cities and states that have raised the minimum wage have experienced stable employment, thriving businesses and workers who can not only make ends meet but also spend that extra money locally, boosting the economy for everyone.
I want our employees to have discretionary income so they can purchase more than just the bare necessities. That’s a win for our workers, a win for our business and a win for the local economy.
The reality is wages haven’t kept up with the cost of living – especially housing – and hardworking families can’t get by on just $300 a week, what a full-time minimum wage worker earns. Our workers are paid so they can afford the basics like rent and groceries without having to rely on public assistance because we don’t believe it’s right to expect taxpayers to subsidize our payroll.
Raising the minimum wage is good for business and fair for workers – I urge Denver Business Journal readers to support this ballot initiative, too.