The following is a statement from the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce regarding a proposed measure going before the Lincoln City Council regarding minimum wage standards.
“The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce has long held positions against using minimum wage increases to increase the standard of living. Rather, the Lincoln Chamber supports policies and programs that induce economic growth, which creates market-based salary and wage increases. This free enterprise approach will enable sustainable wage and standard of living enhancements over time.
Whether it is this specific proposal before the Lincoln City Council, the recent voter approved minimum wage standard or other policies, the impact is the same. Small businesses are harmed, and by extension, so are their employees and their customers.
The post-COVID competition for labor pushed salaries, wages and benefits at rates not experienced in decades. In response, many employers across the nation increased wages far in excess of the current, state-wide minimum wage. This includes sectors such as healthcare, financials, manufacturing, professional services, information technology and more.
Small businesses were impacted. Raising the minimum wage in Lincoln will only put more pressure on industry sectors that residents want to see grow. For example: restaurants, independent retailers, coffee shops, early childhood care and daycare centers and housing con struction. Policies like this risk limiting opportunities for high school age students seeking a first job, and internships for college age students. These are the very people whom we want to engage early and foster as future residents. If Lincoln is to remain competitive and continue attracting and retaining talent, it must support policies that foster job creation and early workforce opportunities—not limit them.”
More information at lcoc.com.