Origanalist
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By Essex Porter
SEATTLE — The leading proponent of a $15 an hour minimum wage in Seattle was challenged face-to-face today. Kshama Sawant engaged with small businesses owners worried about their survival. The impromptu meeting came after a City Council briefing on the implications of raising the minimum wage 63 percent, from $9.32 an hour to $15.
“Despite all the rhetoric I'd like to understand the facts of what these other cities do and how they define the various terms that they use in the minimum wage ordinances,” said Council President Tim Burgess at the briefing.
“My argument here is there's just not enough,” said Thomas Mason of the current minimum wage. “I mean I'm barely scraping by. I'm lucky if I pay my phone bill.”
Councilmembers also heard of dire consequences for small business owners, criticizing Sawant’s push for $15.
“There will be unemployment. People will lose their jobs,” said business owner Mike Klotz.
After the meeting, Sawant didn't shy away from her critics.
“That discretionary income part is also being eaten up by higher rents and higher food costs,” said business owner Wazhwa Samizay. “It is a wash. Think about it. It's math."
“Let's not let the debate be clogged in this divisive thing where it's small businesses versus low wage workers because in reality both low wage workers and small businesses are suffering,” Sawant said. (No, no. Let's not let the debate get clogged up with math)
Sawant wants a three year phase-in period for small businesses, but for big businesses she’s firm on implementing a $15 an hour minimum wage in January.
video at link...http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/sawant-challenged-face-face-about-minimum-wage/nfJQk/
SEATTLE — The leading proponent of a $15 an hour minimum wage in Seattle was challenged face-to-face today. Kshama Sawant engaged with small businesses owners worried about their survival. The impromptu meeting came after a City Council briefing on the implications of raising the minimum wage 63 percent, from $9.32 an hour to $15.
“Despite all the rhetoric I'd like to understand the facts of what these other cities do and how they define the various terms that they use in the minimum wage ordinances,” said Council President Tim Burgess at the briefing.
“My argument here is there's just not enough,” said Thomas Mason of the current minimum wage. “I mean I'm barely scraping by. I'm lucky if I pay my phone bill.”
Councilmembers also heard of dire consequences for small business owners, criticizing Sawant’s push for $15.
“There will be unemployment. People will lose their jobs,” said business owner Mike Klotz.
After the meeting, Sawant didn't shy away from her critics.
“That discretionary income part is also being eaten up by higher rents and higher food costs,” said business owner Wazhwa Samizay. “It is a wash. Think about it. It's math."
“Let's not let the debate be clogged in this divisive thing where it's small businesses versus low wage workers because in reality both low wage workers and small businesses are suffering,” Sawant said. (No, no. Let's not let the debate get clogged up with math)
Sawant wants a three year phase-in period for small businesses, but for big businesses she’s firm on implementing a $15 an hour minimum wage in January.
video at link...http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/sawant-challenged-face-face-about-minimum-wage/nfJQk/
