Dear Editor:

In 1949, President Truman raised the federal minimum wage from 40 cents to 75 cents an hour. Contrary to “sky-is-falling” arguments, employment remained steady and demand for goods and services increased, as people receiving raises cycled that money into the economy. You might think business would favor higher wages that consistently boost the economy — 22 times when the federal government raised the rate, 14 states beginning in 2016, and six on November ballots. Raising the minimum wage is not new.

One question is why would anyone oppose wage increases? You and I do not see people’s hearts so it is difficult to state motives for statements without historical facts. One example happened in SeaTac where hotelier Scott Ostrander tearfully testified he would have to “lay off” his long-term employees if wages were raised — and minimum wages were raised. The same owner went out to secure a $10 million dollar loan and expanded his business.

What was this man’s motive for his tearful, fear-filled testimony that did not happen?

1. It could be a reflection of his personal fears caused by other similar testimonies.

2. It could be someone paid him to testify and/or he was also afraid of potential profit losses.

We don’t know and will never know unless he makes a public statement as to his own motives. When considering how to vote, the best choice will be the choice that has historical success facts to support it.

Maine’s small business is often paying a higher wage than large business in the same industry. Why? Because restaurants, with fewer customers to serve, need to pay higher hourly rates to keep staff. In Maine two groups claim to represent the restaurant small business community — National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), and the Maine Small Business Coalition (MSBC). NFIB is against proposed increased wages — predicting results that have no factual history, while MSBC favors wage increases based on economic history.

Uncover the background of all who speak against raising wages using fear-ridden predictions. Perhaps there is a connection. 

Jarryl Larson

Edgecomb