By Kent Hoover
American City Business Journals, Nov 5, 2014
Voters in state elections did everything from raise the minimum wage to legalize marijuana on Election Day. Here are three developments that are particularly relevant to business:
Most states now have minimum wages higher than the federal rate
Even as Republicans gained complete control of Congress, a Democratic issue — raising the minimum wage — was a winner in four Republican states. Voters in Arkansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Alaska approved ballot measures increasing the minimum wage in their states. This brings the number of states with minimum wages higher than the federal rate to 29. ...
[S]ome businesses contend a higher minimum wage not only is the right thing to do, it will stimulate more consumer spending and ultimately be good for business.
"Paying a fair wage increases our employees' respect for us as owners and for our business and customers," said Dave Titterington, owner of Wild Bird Habitat Stores in Lincoln, Neb. "It's a win/win proposition. Raising the minimum wage will increase worker productivity and provide employees with more dollars to put back into the economy."
Copyright 2014 American City Business Journals