Delaware minimum wage hike finds opposition
Downstate lawmakers, business owners voice concerns about proposal
BY THE NUMBERS
DELAWARE MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES
» 2009. $7.25
» 2008. $7.15
» 2007. $6.65
» 2000. $6.15
» 1999. $5.65
REHOBOTH BEACH -- Proposed legislation to increase Delaware's minimum wage is being met by opposition from area business owners and officials.
Senate Bill 163 would raise the rate by 50 cents a year for the next two years, raising the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $8.25 by 2014.
The measure, sponsored by Sen. Robert Marshall, D-Wilmington West, passed the Delaware Senate with a vote of 12-9 on Jan. 26 and now moves to the House for consideration.
Delaware's minimum wage was $7.15 until July 2009, when the federal rate was raised to $7.25 per hour, superseding the state's rate. About 10,000 people in Delaware earn minimum wage, according to George Sharpley, an economist at the Delaware Department of Labor.
Five states have no minimum-wage law, and 17 states have minimum-wage rates that are higher than the federal minimum.
Marshall said the incremental increase would help lower-paid workers afford basic necessities.
"It will only provide an opportunity to buy a few more groceries," Marshall said. "For those at the low end, they spend the money immediately for survival; the money goes right back into the economy."
But many local business owners think the bill could do more harm than good.
Millers Creek owner Debbie Evans said the increase would put a strain on owners, and consumers will ultimately end up paying the price. When expenses increase, businesses owners have to find ways to cover the costs.
"I don't (do this, but) ... they tell me they put their merchandise (pricing) up to cover it," she said.
Carol Everhart, chief executive and president of the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce, said her organization and its members are not in favor of the raise, noting a good percentage of resort businesses already pay above minimum wage.
Small business owners who are already facing all-time high expenses will have to make other cuts if the increase is approved. That could mean fewer hours for employees and fewer positions, Everhart said. Also, people who are making above minimum wage at corporate organizations may look for a pay raise as well.
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Originally Posted by Robb
Well Rob considering I haven't gotten a raise in 5 years I can't feel too sorry for you.
Trust me if I lived in Newark I would.
We have the lifestyle down here but we don't have the jobs.
