Reply #61: I don't think minimum wage

[pipoman]

is a one size fits all proposition. Why should businesses where I'm at have to pay a living wage based on New York economics? It would kill not only many businesses but consumers like mine who are fixed in their incomes, as well as having a negative impact on our local economy as a whole. It would IMHO cause unemployment to go way up here based on the number, $13 which was suggested (double the current rate). The $13 may be quite reasonable (or too low) in some places where rent is $1000+ for minimal housing, I believe it should be based on housing costs. Something like 25% of a 40 hour week = 1 month rent for minimal, livable housing. I don't really think tax breaks should be necessary to meet a living wage payroll. I don't really know what the answer is. I do believe labor is a supply and demand, I don't mind and believe in paying well for productivity. The $11 per hour dish washer gets nearly twice as much accomplished in each hour than the $7 dish washer does, and does it with less supervision.