KBTC's Northwest Now program focuses on minimum wage initiative

Posted: October 27, 2016

Washington state currently has the nation’s 8th highest minimum wage at $9.47 an hour, however if voters pass I-1433, those wages will see an increase over the next three years to $13.50 per hour.

In Friday’s edition of Northwest Now, we take a closer look at I-1433 that along with raising the state’s minimum wage, we’ll also allow all workers to earn paid sick leave to take care of themselves and or family members who are sick.

Will this initiative be good for the economy, or will it put a squeeze on smaller businesses?

“Big business doesn’t want to see a minimum wage increase, big agriculture doesn’t want to see the minimum wage increase,” said Molly Moon, owner of Molly Moon Ice Cream. “But my small business has done better this year and every year since the minimum wage went up in Seattle,” she told host Tom Layson. “I really see that when my customers have a little more money in their pockets, they spend a little more, they go out to eat a little more, and they come get a scoop of ice cream when they want it.”

The Emmy and Telly Award-winning public affairs series Northwest Now airs Fridays at 7:30 p.m. on KBTC Public Television, a service of Bates Technical College.

Use the list below to find us on TV. You can also watch past episodes and learn more about our show on our website.

OFF AIR:

KBTC 28.1, 28.2, 28.3 digital channels, (including K41KT-D Grays River-Lebam and K24IC-D, Bellingham and Channel 16 Digital, Seattle)

KCKA 15.1, 15.2, 15.3 digital channels

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