Indeed, We Are Worth More!

Remember when Scott Walker said that the push for raising the minimum wage was "a distraction" and that the minimum wage "doesn't serve a purpose?"  He even echoed the right wing talking point that raising the minimum wage - especially to $15 - would do nothing but force businesses to close and kill a bajillion jobs.

We should be so lucky:

If Seattle businesses are closing up shop in response to our $15 minimum wage, you wouldn’t know it from our falling unemployment rate:

King County’s unemployment rate reach[ed] a low not seen since April 2008, data released Tuesday by the state Employment Security Department show.

King County’s unemployment rate in April was 3.3 percent, compared to 4 percent in March and 4.1 percent in April 2014.

Okay, monthly unemployment data is not seasonally adjusted, so the rate will surely rise in May and June as college and high school graduates join the workforce (like it does every year). And of course, it will take years—maybe even a couple decades—to fully suss out the employment effect (if any) of Seattle’s phased-in $15 minimum wage.

But again, if employers are cutting back on hiring in anticipation of rising labor costs—like $15 critics insist a rationally self-interested employer would—you wouldn’t know it from our falling unemployment rate.

So, I would say to the unions and organizations like Wisconsin Jobs Now, keep on fighting!

We'll all be better off for it when you are victorious.

Seattle Could See $3 Billion Boom From Raising Minimum Wage

The City Council of Seattle recently voted unanimously to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour.  Because of that vote, 100,000 people will see their incomes grow and subsequently, Seattle could see a $3 billion boost to their economy.

Here is a video of the vote and remarks from various Seattle officials regarding this historic moment (warning: sound levels vary widely):



Now ask yourself whose side people like Scott Walker and Chris Abele are on when they fight these long overdue increases in the workers' wages. Here's a hint: It's not yours unless your a wealthy business CEO.

Protests Of Scott Walker On The Rise

Some things never grow old.  Things like telling Scott Walker to take his attacks on the workers, the women, the children, the poor and everyone else and stick them where the ultrasound wand don't shine.

The latest round is in Seattle on Thursday:

Join the MLK County Labor Council and their PAC Committee along with union members, environmental and community activists, local businesses and others who plan to send a message to Scott Walker and his right-wing supporters that his divisive anti-labor, job-killing, environment-damaging policies aren’t welcome in Washington state. The event will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5 outside the Seattle Sheraton Hotel, 1400 6th Ave. Download the event flier, spread the word and make plans to attend, and bring your signs and banners!

On the behalf of all of Wisconsin, we thank you and commend, Seattle, for your common sense and your sense of morals.