NEW: In our new report today, we break down the case for raising the minimum wage in North Carolina.

Raising the minimum wage isn't just a do-good priority. It's also important for the economic wellbeing of our state. Read more:
https://www.carolinaforward.org/blog/raise-the-wage #ncpol #RaiseTheWage

Let's be clear. Raising the minimum wage really isn't that controversial among North Carolinians themselves - only their leaders in #ncpol.

A clear majority of NC voters, including half of independents and 1 in 4 Republicans, supports a $15/hr minimum.

Fact: the large majority of low-wage hourly workers - in North Carolina, as in most states - works for large, profitable corporations, not small businesses.

These employers could easily absorb marginally higher labor costs. Many of them would simply prefer not to. #ncpol

No one criticizes the retail and food service chains that plow their free cash flow into skyrocketing executive compensation and stock buybacks.

They'll continue to do these things, of course - but a $15/hr minimum would direct a small stream back to their workers. #ncpol

Another fact: lots of economic research shows that a higher minimum wage reduces labor turnover and boosts consumer demand, which *benefits* small businesses, as well as larger ones.

More consumer demand = the best jobs engine around.
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/economy/reports/2021/02/25/496355/small-businesses-get-boost-15-minimum-wage/ #ncpol

We also found that an even larger majority of NC voters supports allowing local governments to set their own minimum wage ordinances.

Localities can *probably* do this today, since HB142's sunset, but it'll be decided in state courts. But it's what the people want. #ncpol

A higher minimum wage is the right thing to do to strengthen North Carolina's economy, and also to make sure that low-wage workers aren't left out of the COVID recovery, as they were post-2008.

Our full report is here:
http://carolinaforward.org/blog/raise-the-wage #ncpol