Some in our overburdened state want to increase the minimum wage. I run several businesses, and I can tell you that these advocacy agencies, usually nonprofits getting funding from tax dollars, have no concept how to create or keep a job.
The availability of minimum-wage jobs enables young people who normally have no experience to get entry-level positions. They get some job experience, some self-discipline and some self-esteem, becoming more valuable not only to their employer but to society as they begin to climb the ladder up the pay scale. As they gain experience and become more valuable, they can negotiate for their pay to go up.
But businesses don't have an endless supply of money. Yes, business must pay a fair wage. We do have greed in society. But if the minimum wage is raised as proposed, the businesses I run will have no choice but to cut back. Who do you think will be the big loser in that? If we keep increasing this entry-level cost, we will put an end to the availability of this valuable level of experience.
Those pushing this agenda have no concept what is required to keep a business in business in New York.
KRISTINE LYTLE
Saratoga Springs