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UW Researchers Report Price Data After Seattle’s Minimum Wage Increase

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TheDemSocialist

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Seattle was the first big city to adopt a $15 minimum wage law, and now there’s new research on how that’s affected the prices we pay at stores and restaurants.
“Overall, we found that prices in Seattle are fairly stable and they haven’t gone up very much, if at all, since the minimum wage went up starting in April of last year," said Jacob Vigdor, the Daniel J. Evans professor of public policy at UW. "The exception would be in the restaurant sector, where we found price increases on the order of 7 or 8 percent."
But restaurant prices also rose outside of Seattle. Vigdor said his team didn’t collect that much restaurant data outside the city, making it a bit hard to draw conclusions.
[FONT=Lato, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]"So we don’t have quite as much confidence in saying that 7 or 8 percent is purely a Seattle thing or whether it’s a broader economic phenomenon that could be reflecting rising rents or bigger ingredient prices that could be affecting the entire metro area," Vigdor said.
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[FONT=Lato, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Read more @: [/FONT]UW Researchers Report Price Data After Seattle’s Minimum Wage Increase

[FONT=Lato, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Spoiler, they didnt much change. Seattle restaurant prices increased 7-8% (wohooo a burger now costs $8 instead of $7.50 [/FONT]:sarcasticclap[FONT=Lato, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]), but there is question if that is associated with the minimum wage increase because restaurant prices also rose outside of Seattle and are thought to be a broader phenomenon that is tied to rising rent and ingredient prices. The draconian predictions of raising the wage still not coming true. Its time to raise the wage nationally [/FONT]:2razz:
 
TheDemSocialist said:
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[FONT=Lato, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Read more @: [/FONT]UW Researchers Report Price Data After Seattle’s Minimum Wage Increase

[FONT=Lato, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Spoiler, they didnt much change. Seattle restaurant prices increased 7-8% (wohooo a burger now costs $8 instead of $7.50 [/FONT]:sarcasticclap[FONT=Lato, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]), but there is question if that is associated with the minimum wage increase because restaurant prices also rose outside of Seattle and are thought to be a broader phenomenon that is tied to rising rent and ingredient prices. The draconian predictions of raising the wage still not coming true. Its time to raise the wage nationally [/FONT]:2razz:
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That is not a legitimate conclusion. I don't feel like explaining leads and lags or that the impact of price increases of factors can differ widely. But, the conclusion here is that a biased opinion is being supported by false statistics.
 
joG said:
That is not a legitimate conclusion. I don't feel like explaining leads and lags or that the impact of price increases of factors can differ widely. But, the conclusion here is that a biased opinion is being supported by false statistics.
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What information do you have that shows these statistics are "false"?
 
joG said:
That is not a legitimate conclusion. I don't feel like explaining leads and lags or that the impact of price increases of factors can differ widely. But, the conclusion here is that a biased opinion is being supported by false statistics.
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I agree. I don't believe the minimum wage will result in higher costs like some (maybe you?) predict, however, making this claim now is like throwing on a cod piece, and proclaiming mission accomplished.

Way too soon
 
TheDemSocialist said:
What information do you have that shows these statistics are "false"?
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I know the applicable economic theories, what variables might be affected and what indices you would have to measure. I also know that it takes a whole lot more time for shocks of this kind to push through the economy and work their magic.
 
KevinKohler said:
I agree. I don't believe the minimum wage will result in higher costs like some (maybe you?) predict, however, making this claim now is like throwing on a cod piece, and proclaiming mission accomplished.

Way too soon
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Minimum wages have many consequences and you need research over a good amount of time to know, what they are.
 
TheDemSocialist said:
Its time to raise the wage nationally :2razz:
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it is?

sorry, i'd rather have Freedom.

i guess the smiley face is because he's got one hand in your pocket

btw, if raising wages works why not raise them all to $100/hr???


KevinKohler said:
I agree. I don't believe the minimum wage will result in higher costs like some (maybe you?) predict, however, making this claim now is like throwing on a cod piece, and proclaiming mission accomplished.

Way too soon
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hmm, who do you suppose will pay for the higher labor costs - Santa Claus?
 
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joG said:
I know the applicable economic theories, what variables might be affected and what indices you would have to measure. I also know that it takes a whole lot more time for shocks of this kind to push through the economy and work their magic.
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So essentially the information that you have to show that these statistics are "false" is, "because I say so".
 
lb_on_teh_cb said:
it is?

sorry, i'd rather have Freedom.
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Raising the minimum wage is antithesis to freedom?
FreeDumb

i guess the smiley face is because he's got one hand in your pocket
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Oh yea :roll: the minimum wage means those affected by it have a hand in my pocket! The hell you talking about?

btw, if raising wages works why not raise them all to $100/hr???
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Seriously? Thats quite the slipper slope you just built for yourself there...
 
TheDemSocialist said:
[/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Lato, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Read more @: [/FONT]UW Researchers Report Price Data After Seattle’s Minimum Wage Increase

[FONT=Lato, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Spoiler, they didnt much change. Seattle restaurant prices increased 7-8% (wohooo a burger now costs $8 instead of $7.50 [/FONT]:sarcasticclap[FONT=Lato, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]), but there is question if that is associated with the minimum wage increase because restaurant prices also rose outside of Seattle and are thought to be a broader phenomenon that is tied to rising rent and ingredient prices. The draconian predictions of raising the wage still not coming true. Its time to raise the wage nationally [/FONT]:2razz:
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How about that?

My local food prices have also increased as the recession eased, and our minimum wage remained low & unchanged!
 
As effects of the minimum wage may only be felt after a time lag, owing to delays in
business adaptation involving capital investment, and also to the stepped nature of the increase
to $15 in Seattle, we have little reason to think that our initial impact assessment will
adequately capture the full impact of the minimum wage ordinance. As some employers will
have until 2021 to fully adapt to higher wages, the complete impact of the $15 minimum wage
in Seattle may not be known for nearly a decade
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In summary, UW thanks the City of Seattle for the grant and looks forward to more studies in the future.
 
TheDemSocialist said:
So essentially the information that you have to show that these statistics are "false" is, "because I say so".
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no it is just way to soon to measure out why prices haven't increased.

there are several other factors that could be impacting that as well which that report failed to acknowledge.
such as workers working less hours.
or people being laid off.

Forbes Welcome

Are Higher Minimum Wages Eliminating Restaurant Jobs? - The Atlantic

great if you have a job or keep it.
bad if you are looking for one or are just starting out.
people aren't going to hire you.
 
TheDemSocialist said:
Raising the minimum wage is antithesis to freedom?
FreeDumb
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yes, Freedom is you stay the hell out my business


TheDemSocialist said:
Oh yea :roll: the minimum wage means those affected by it have a hand in my pocket! The hell you talking about?
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no, you have a hand in someone else's pocket, with your smile. "look what you can do for me" :)
 
lb_on_teh_cb said:
it is?

sorry, i'd rather have Freedom.

i guess the smiley face is because he's got one hand in your pocket

btw, if raising wages works why not raise them all to $100/hr???




hmm, who do you suppose will pay for the higher labor costs - Santa Claus?
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The CEO and upper management will, in the form of slightly lower profit margins.


Typically, yes, prices do and in this case, WILL go up. They will. But not at the same rate as minimum wage increases. Competition will force prices down. So, the consumer will take a SLIGHT hit, but will, in turn, enjoy a more robust economy, and all that that implies. The producer/owner will also take a slight hit, but will enjoy a more robust economy, and all that that implies.

As minimum wage increases, and costs increase slightly, spending WILL go up. Not just due to increased prices, but due to increased consumption.

Where OUR issue lies is where do those dollars from increased consumption end up. If I'm a MW earner, and I get a decent raise, and I'm looking to treat myself with something, maybe I decide to buy a new computer, or a newer TV.

Where do those dollars go? Do they stay in the country, in OUR economy, or do they go to enrich ANOTHER country, ANOTHER economy?
 
lb_on_teh_cb said:
yes, Freedom is you stay the hell out my business


no, you have a hand in someone else's pocket, with your smile. "look what you can do for me" :)
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Then don't live in a society, root word, SOCIAL.

Don't enjoy the benefits of social engineering that make SOCIETY possible. Go find yourself a nice patch of woods, or a cave someplace, dig a latrene, and let the rest of us deal with today's problems.


In short, pop your head into the sand and pretend that you have no ethical or moral obligation towards the beast that reared you and made your life possible.
 
KevinKohler said:
The CEO and upper management will, in the form of slightly lower profit margins.
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they will? lol and how do you force them? sounds like theft

KevinKohler said:
Typically, yes, prices do and in this case, WILL go up. They will. But not at the same rate as minimum wage increases. Competition will force prices down. So, the consumer will take a SLIGHT hit, but will, in turn, enjoy a more robust economy, and all that that implies. The producer/owner will also take a slight hit, but will enjoy a more robust economy, and all that that implies.

As minimum wage increases, and costs increase slightly, spending WILL go up. Not just due to increased prices, but due to increased consumption.

Where OUR issue lies is where do those dollars from increased consumption end up. If I'm a MW earner, and I get a decent raise, and I'm looking to treat myself with something, maybe I decide to buy a new computer, or a newer TV.

Where do those dollars go? Do they stay in the country, in OUR economy, or do they go to enrich ANOTHER country, ANOTHER economy?
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all speculation and crp
 
TheDemSocialist said:
So essentially the information that you have to show that these statistics are "false" is, "because I say so".
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Nope. But anyone that has ever done quantitative socioeconomic impact research will tell you the same thing in that respect.
 
lb_on_teh_cb said:
they will? lol and how do you force them? sounds like theft

all speculation and crp
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Yes, but there's quite a lot of historical evidence to back this speculation up. If you wish to remain unaware of this information, then by all means, continue to not try to self educate.
 
So on April 1 2015, the Seattle minimum wage increased from $9.50 per hour to $11.00 per hour.
That is a 15% raise, (Maybe a lot more if they do not count tips as part of that $11.)
They are saying menu prices increased by 7 to 8%, so about half of the rate of increase.
The next jump I think is April 1 of this year to $13 per hour, an 18% increase,
I suppose if the trend holds, food prices should increase another 9%.
I wounder if the number of food workers has decreased?
 
joG said:
Nope. But anyone that has ever done quantitative socioeconomic impact research will tell you the same thing in that respect.
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So in other words, "because I say so".
 
joG said:
Minimum wages have many consequences and you need research over a good amount of time to know, what they are.
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Well, let's say we cut through the details and ask this question: who is supposed to work the restaurant and retail and other minimum wage jobs, that operate during school hours, and where are those workers supposed to live and shop?
 
jet57 said:
Well, let's say we cut through the details and ask this question: who is supposed to work the restaurant and retail and other minimum wage jobs, that operate during school hours, and where are those workers supposed to live and shop?
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Anyone to take the job.
 
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