$15 minimum wage has snowball effect

To Gail Rogers, who wrote “Case for a $15 minimum wage” (Aug. 17): Congratulations on a well-written column. I am surprised that you have not moved on to a better-paying position for which you are surely qualified.

McDonald’s was never meant to be a long-term career, but instead, a starting point into the hospitality industry — the segment that will suffer most should this bill pass. The fast-food segment will suffer massive layoffs and price increases. Those who are lucky enough to be retained will no longer qualify for possible benefits they now receive such as food stamps or housing subsidies due to the increased income. The other 50% who are laid off will then have to search out other employment for which they are not qualified, depending on unemployment benefits.

The group who will be affected the most are those who can only afford to dine at fast food restaurants and those on limited pensions or none at all — in most cases, seniors. Almost every time I go on a road trip and stop for an early-morning coffee, I encounter a group of seniors enjoying coffee or breakfast. I often wonder how many are widows or widowers, taking their one opportunity to socialize. This is a group for the most part who will be unable to afford a price increase, because their Social Security will not increase to cover the cost.

Frankly, I don’t look forward to ordering my early-morning coffee from a kiosk that doesn’t even smile.

Joe Tolley Altamonte Springs