The campaign for $15
Back at home, Washington state has a front row seat to the minimum-wage debate. Earlier this year, the city of Seattle approved gradually boosting the minimum wage to $15 an hour.
And if Gov. Jay Inslee gets his way, it won’t only be the city of Seattle that experiences an increase in minimum wage. Inslee would like to see lawmakers tackle the issue and boost wages statewide.
Not long ago, the governor spoke to The Columbian’s editorial board about the minimum wage.
Here’s what he said:
“I think we ought to have a minimum wage that reflects one fundamental principle: If you work 40 hours, you work hard and you give your employer everything you got — you ought to have a livable wage in our state. Our state minimum wage will not support that right now,” Inslee said.
The campaign for $15 an hour appears to be gaining traction.
USA Today reported the, “living wage campaign began two years ago when workers walked off their jobs at McDonald’s and Burger King in New York.”
Opponents of an increase in wages say it will hurt small businesses and business owners will be forced to lay off workers.
Lauren Dake
Lauren Dake covers politics for The Columbian. You can reach her at 360-735-4534 or lauren.dake@columbian.com. Follow her on Twitter .