Business & Tech

Patch Asks: Do You Support Raising the Minimum Wage?

Lawmakers have passed a bill that will raise California's minimum wage to $10 per hour.

California legislators on Thursday voted to raise the state's minimum wage. 

The bill, AB-10, would increase the California minimum wage from its current $8 per hour to $10 per hour over the course of four years beginning in January.

As well, the bill would be adjusted annually using the California Consumer Price Index to maintain purchasing power.

Gov. Jerry Brown has come out in favor of the bill and is expected to sign it.

"The minimum wage has not kept pace with rising costs. This legislation is overdue and will help families that are struggling in this harsh economy," Brown said Wednesday.

But while the governor is pleased with the bill, the same can't be said for all Californians. Some critics believe the mandatory wage increase would put an unfair burden on companies in the state.

The Valley Industry and Commerce Association's Stuart Waldman, calling the hike "obscene," told the Huffington Post "This is clearly being done by people who don't understand business." 

Waldman warned of rising prices on consumer goods and services and of businesses leaving the state if the bill is signed into law.

The $8/hour minimum wage took affect in January 2008 (click here for a history of California's minimum wages going back to its first in 1916 of 16 cents per hour). The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. 

 Patch wants to know what you think. Is a minimum wage increase good for the state? Will it be good for you and your family? Tell us in the comments.


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