Minimum Wage

There is a woman who is campaigning for an election to city council for us. She has the idea to raise the minimum wage to $15.00/hour. The idea is to make "Seattle affordable to everyone."She's right. It would make Seattle affordable for everyone, but not how she's picturing it.First off, keep in mind that this would only affect Seattle and not the neighboring towns. So let's play this out.

1. The minimum wage goes to $15/hour.
2. Businesses that employ low wage worked that can move a few miles do (laying people off that can't make the additional commute).
3. Businesses that can't move lay people off or automate jobs.
4. Businesses that can't do either pass the wage hike on to the consumers.
5. Folks looking for transitional work (i.e. minimum wage) can't ever get a start.
6. For everyone else, they don't get a pay increase, but everything else becomes more expensive due to #4.

At this point you make Seattle a less desirable place to live for everyone driving down the real estate.Congrats, affordable for the people who could already afford it. For everyone else, they lost their jobs or needed to move (which is what would depress the housing market).

- = -

So much of what goes on in politics is asinine simple-minded bullshit to make people feel better rather than trying to solve the underlying issue. If people can't afford housing, for instance, work to provide child care or additional education to lift people up rather than trying to force socialism on everyone.Wake up people.If you want more disposable income, work to make more money. (see my comment about education) Don't just expect that everyone will provide for you. Maybe make some tough decisions. Move somewhere cheaper. Don't drive a fancy car and take the bus instead. Don't eat out as often. Take some classes. It's not all milk and honey -- you have to make some sacrifices.