By Lynn Thompson and Amy Martinez
The Seattle City Council (click here) unanimously approved a $15 minimum wage Monday, giving its lowest-paid workers a path over the next seven years to the nation’s highest hourly pay.
The outcome was not in doubt as a progressive mayor and City Council throughout the spring vowed to address the national trend of rising income inequality and a city that has become increasingly unaffordable for many of its residents....
Seattle, Washington wasn't going to take chances. They are followed in their higher minimum wage by "The University of Washington" to report on "how things are going."
Seattle, Washington wasn't going to take chances. They are followed in their higher minimum wage by "The University of Washington" to report on "how things are going."
...Jobs: (click here)
Overall, the Seattle labor market was exceptionally strong over the 18 months from mid- 2014 to the end of 2015.
Seattle’s job growth rate tripled the national average between mid-2014 and late 2015.
This job growth rate outpaced Seattle’s own robust performance in recent years.
Surrounding portions of King County also had a very good year; the boom appears to fade with geographic distance.
Job growth is clearly driven by increased opportunities for higher-wage workers, but businesses relying on low-wage labor showed better-than-average growth as well.
For businesses that rely heavily on low-wage labor, our estimates of the impact of the Ordinance on the number of persistent jobs are small and sensitive to modeling choices. Our estimates of the impact of the Ordinance on hours per employee more consistently indicate a reduction of roughly one hour per week.
Fewer hours per employee could reflect higher turnover rather than cutbacks in staffing.
Reductions in hours are consistent with the experiences of low-wage workers...
There is every reason to believe increasing the minimum wage RETURNS quality of life to Americans, increase their opportunities in housing and recreational time in movie theaters, parks and picnics and sports events, including sports events of their children.
One of the most devastating effects of 2008 was the instability of neighborhoods. REBUILD and continue to grow the local economy. Local economies REACT FIRST to increased income in a neighborhood. Local economies are vital, provide stability and encourage quality of life. Local economies have a real stake in the game.
Congratulations, Seattle!
