Is increasing minimum wage the answer? A decade ago in Kalamazoo, we said "no"

A new poll released yesterday by the Public Religion Research Institute, shows that two-thirds of Americans (67 percent) support an increase in the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to at least $10 an hour.

One could say that the easiest way to reduce poverty is by offering more jobs that pay higher salaries so that everyone has the opportunity to succeed. But would those who live now in poverty really have a chance at these opportunities? Would they be competing with more educated, training and skilled workers? Would a minimum wage hike hurt small businesses?

These are all challenging questions that must be addressed when speaking about this topic. In Kalamazoo in 2001, the community decided that a living wage was not the best way to address the high percentage of poverty in the area. A few years later, the Kalamazoo County Poverty Reduction Initiative was formed to address the problem. Soon afterward, Kalamazoo leaders unveiled the Kalamazoo Promise as a way to support children and families living in poverty.

Raising the minimum wage would certainly have a positive impact on persons who currently make the amount. However, it could potential devastate an economy still struggling to improve. Small businesses could flounder and more jobs could be cut.

Is increasing the living wage the long-term answer? What supports for businesses would we have to include to make it affordable?

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