By Peter Strescino
The Pueblo Chieftain, December 30, 2016
A new law approved in November that increases the minimum wage each year until at least 2020 will go into effect on Sunday. State voters last favored a minimum-wage rise in 2006, when the rate went to $6.85 from $5.15. In 2020, the Colorado minimum wage will be $12 an hour. ...
Mike Hartkop, who owns and operates Solar Roast at Main and Third streets, says he already pays his workers a minimum of $10 an hour, and from that amount he said he has engendered a dedicated workforce and allowed his workers to live a better life.
“We’re excited,” he said. “People are being valued as employees more at the state level.” ...
Hartkop said the wage “is still far too low for tipped employees. Tipped employees should be paid as much as non-tipped employees.”
He said the higher starting wage at his shop has worked out well and he wants to get his minimum to $15 an hour by 2020.
“We have great people,” he said. “They can afford cars, homes, can move out of their parents’ basements. When you pay people, they get off government subsidies, and that’s good.”