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WRA: Raise the state minimum wage

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Of all the dire predictions made about the likely consequences of Seattle raising its minimum wage, one that actually struck me as a potential concern was the prediction that certain forms of low wage employment would cluster near but outside the city. Not only does there not seem to be any evidence this is happening, the politics and economics of the situation have led to some interesting political reconfigurations:

In an indication of how much traction the minimum wage movement has gained statewide, the Washington Restaurant Association, which has opposed immediate citywide minimum wage hikes to $15, said Thursday it now actively supports raising the state’s minimum wage…..

“Our state now has multiple different minimum wages with the likelihood of many more to come. It’s creating a checkerboard of wage laws that are difficult on everyone,” Anthony Anton, Washington Restaurant Association president and CEO, said in a news release. “We are looking for a positive statewide solution. Restaurants are calling for local and state lawmakers to join together to find an answer.”

Anton’s statement called for “an increase in minimum wage done the right way. We have learned through local discussions that there are ways to support neighborhood restaurants and raise compensation for employees.”

Unfortunately, you’d need to turn two Republicans in the Senate to get a bill at the state level, and the Democrats’ map isn’t good for getting the Senate back next year, so it’s likely initiatives or municipalities for the time being. 2016 is also looking like the best shot in a while for a Republican to win the Governor race, as Jay Inslee has turned out to be a pretty unpopular governor. If I were Inslee, I’d be hoping for a minimum wage initiative on the statewide ballot, which I would then talk up and associate myself with as much as possible.

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