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Statement
and Sign Up
BUSINESS OWNERS AND EXECUTIVES FOR A HIGHER MINIMUM WAGE
We, the
undersigned business owners and executives, support an increase
in the minimum wage to benefit workers, business and our economy.
We know that a minimum wage of $5.15 an hour is simply not
enough for workers to afford necessities for themselves and
their families. We know that a fair wage floor is essential
to healthy businesses and communities, and enduring economic
growth.
We expect
an increased minimum wage to provide a boost to local economies.
Businesses and communities will benefit as low-wage workers
spend their much-needed pay raises at businesses in the neighborhoods
where they live and work.
Higher
wages benefit business by increasing consumer purchasing power,
reducing costly employee turnover, raising productivity, and
improving product quality, customer satisfaction and company
reputation. In a recent National Consumers League survey,
for example, 76 percent of American consumers said "how
well a company treats/pays employees influences what they
buy."
States
that have raised their minimum wages above the inadequate
$5.15 federal level have had better employment and small business
trends than the other states. Studies by the Fiscal Policy
Institute and others show that in states with minimum wages
above $5.15, the number of small businesses and the number
of small business employees grew more than the other states
-- contrary to what critics predicted. Likewise, after the
last federal minimum wage increases in 1996 and 1997, the
nation experienced lower unemployment, low inflation, robust
growth and declining poverty rates.
At $5.15
an hour, today's minimum wage workers have less buying power
than minimum wage workers had half a century ago. We cannot
build a strong 21st century economy on a 1950s' wage floor.
We cannot build a strong 21st century economy when more and
more hardworking Americans struggle to make ends meet.
A fair
minimum wage shows we value both work and responsible businesses.
A fair minimum wage is a sound investment in the future of
our communities and our nation.
The
form below is for business people to sign on to
the statement.
To sign up as a member of the Let Justice Roll
Campaign, click here.
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