California’s Proposition 32 aims to push the minimum wage from $16 per hour to $17 to $18/ per hour. While the proposition does not touch location or industry standards.
Currently, the minimum wage in the state of California is between $16 to $17 depending on specific employee count. If Proposition 32 passes on But as of November 5th, that will change. While the proposition does not touch location or industry standards, there might be more nuance to this than meets the eye.
Like any legislative measure, there are some pros and cons to look at to understand the matter best.
As far as benefits go prop 32 aims to help low-wage workers afford the cost of living in California. “The majority of low-wage workers in California are either under age 25 or over 50, according to an analysis of Census data by the Legislative Analyst’s Office”. Calmatters.org explains, “About 40% of them have children under age 18. Most California low-wage earners are not married. About 10% of them are the sole breadwinners for households with children, according to the analysis”. In any scenario, living comfortably in California under these circumstances is extremely steep without proper compensation through pay. If low-income people can afford more things, we will have a better functioning economy because wealth is more evenly distributed.
On the flip side, some argue that this proposition will not benefit anyone, regardless of status. “The prop has garnered heavy pushback from the state and business groups who fear disproportionate effects on local businesses. They argue a raise in wages would lead to a direct rise in consumer prices, making it harder for local businesses to keep their doors open among other rising costs,” states nbclosangeles.com. While raising the wage in large corporations might not matter, making small and local businesses do the same might be more detrimental. Another fear that some have is that Prop 32 would cause more inflation and raise prices higher than they are right now. If businesses have to pay their employees more then they will also have to raise their prices to compensate.
Overall, Proposition 32 will be a significant thing to consider in this year’s election. Voting yes would mean the minimum wage in the state of California would be raised to $18 an hour. Voting no would decline all of the policies of the measure and would keep the minimum wage the same. Here is the voter’s guide to read the exact policies and arguments.
