As many Californians struggle to make ends meet due to inflation, an increase in the minimum wage would seem to be a welcomed change.
However, some residents wonder if the proposed increase to the minimum wage could do more harm than good — by driving employers to reduce hours or even close down.
Opponents of Proposition 32, a measure on the statewide ballot this November to increase minimum wage from $17 an hour to $18 by 2026, cite a state law that went into effect this year requiring fast food chains to pay workers $20 an hour. The law has been blamed for some chains looking into hiring freezes and more automation of ordering and preparing.
Supporters argue that it will help residents afford the cost of living and the extra income could boost the economy by encouraging people to spend more.
The full story will be published at BoyleHeightsBeat.com and cross-published here in mid-October.