A ‘no’ vote on Issue 5

Absent a magic money tree, raising Arkansas’ minimum wage to $11 is a bad idea that will hurt our state’s overall economy and many of the very people it is intended to help most—lower-skilled workers.

Arkansas has the second-lowest cost of living in the nation, according to MoneyRates.com. A dollar here goes a lot further than it does in most places. Comparatively, at $8.50 per hour, our current minimum wage is already 17 percent higher than the federal minimum, and it is higher than any of the surrounding states with which we compete for jobs. The closest is Missouri at $7.85. An $11 rate is higher than the current minimum in every state except Washington, Massachusetts and California.

Such a drastic rise will almost certainly result in fewer employment opportunities for lower-skilled workers. Instead of seeing their wages increase, many will find themselves in the unemployment line. Home-grown small businesses will be harmed. Larger employers looking to expand here may instead consider surrounding states where the cost of labor is significantly less. Wage increases will be passed along to consumers like you and me. The price we all pay for goods and services will be higher.

At a time when our state’s economy is moving forward and our unemployment numbers hover at or near record lows, it simply doesn’t make good sense to create such an obstacle for better opportunity. I intend to vote against Issue 5, the minimum wage increase, and I encourage other Arkansans to join me. ANDY MAYBERRY

Hensley