Contact: Cat Ulrich
cat@emccommunications.com, (202) 630-7839
June 17, 2021—Today, Delaware business owners applaud the House of Representatives for passing Senate Bill 15 to raise the state minimum wage to $15 by 2025 and urge Gov. John Carney to quickly sign it into law. Business leaders say that raising the minimum wage will increase consumer spending, strengthen businesses and local workforces, and help build a stronger economy.
“Raising Delaware’s minimum wage will boost the economy and help businesses and communities thrive,” said Alissa Barron-Menza, vice president of Business for a Fair Minimum Wage. “Minimum wage increases go right back into the economy as workers can afford to buy more at local businesses. And businesses raising wages will benefit from lower employee turnover and increased productivity and customer satisfaction.”
Ryan Peters, owner of RISE Fitness + Adventure in Rehoboth Beach, said, “Paying a $15 minimum wage is good business. Employees have more pride in their work and are more invested in our company. We save money on costly turnover, and our dedicated staff keep our customers coming back.”
Sarah Titus, owner of The Comic Book Shop in Wilmington, said, “When staff feel valued and aren’t scrambling to make ends meet, they return that to you in productivity. Let’s raise the minimum wage, put more money in people’s pockets so they can spend at local businesses, and watch our economy grow.”
Barbara and Erin Hayes, owners of If Heaven Had a Flavor Coffee Shop and Bakery in Clayton, said, “People should be paid fairly for what they do. We need to raise the minimum wage. It’s extremely difficult to live on one income. For single parents, it’s ridiculous. Delaware will be much better off when people paid too little now have more money to spend.”
Ravi Goel, managing partner of Even & Odd Minds in Wilmington, said, “We were honored to be named a 2020 Delaware Top Workplace. Fair pay really helps with employee retention and performance, and has been a key investment in their success and ours. Raising the minimum wage to $15 will yield big benefits for Delaware.”
Kristen Deptula, owner of the Canalside Inn, in Rehoboth Beach, said, “Happier employees make for happier customers, and that drives our success in the hospitality industry. The economy reflects a continuous cycle of earning and spending, so when workers are making more money, they spend more, boosting our economy.”
Ian Wilkinson, CEO of Cyber Ballet in Claymont, said, “The best way to provide excellent customer service is to take care of your employees. Today’s minimum wage is woefully inadequate. Raising the minimum wage will create a stronger economy and level the playing field for Delaware businesses.”
Courtney Sunborn, owner of Ecolistic Cleaning in Lewes, said, “Our valued employees deliver the great service that keeps our residential and commercial clients happy. When people earn more as workers, they will spend more as customers. This creates a virtuous cycle driving the economy.”
SB 15 would gradually raise Delaware’s minimum wage from $9.25 to $10.50 per hour effective January 1, 2022, $11.75 in 2023, $13.25 in 2024 and $15 in 2025. Once signed into law, Delaware will join Rhode Island (most recent), California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia in enacting a $15 minimum wage. Virginia also passed a gradual increase to $15 but the General Assembly must re-enact the final steps before they can occur.
To arrange an interview with Delaware business leaders supportive of raising the minimum wage, please contact Cat Ulrich at cat@emccommunications.com or (202) 630-7839.
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Business for a Fair Minimum Wage is a network of business owners and executives and business organizations that believe a fair minimum wage makes good business sense. twitter.com/MinimumWageBiz