I am not going to sign any petitions to increase our state’s minimum wage. The minimum wage is generally an entry-level wage to help new businesses just starting. A wage like $15 per hour could be a goal as a business can afford to pay it. I believe Alaska is already rated as the worst state in the union to start a business. A $15 minimum wage is not going to improve our low rating. If a business wants to pay employees for sick leave, that decision is up to the business, not the state of Alaska.
So, once again, I urge my fellow Alaskans to vote no or not to sign any petitions to increase our state’s minimum wage.
— Doug Bartko
Palmer
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