I believe that the minimum wage should be raised throughout Maine, but not to $15 per hour. It should actually be raised all across the country, but at most it should be between $10 and $11 per hour — based on the level of skill or work performance.
If wages were raised to or above $15 per hour, prices on goods and services would undoubtedly start going up; small businesses would suffer and, in turn, employees would suffer. Layoffs would happen, or employees would surely get a cut in hours. Businesses might even shut down or move out of state.
Yes, working Mainers need to be earning a more livable wage, but, at the same time, working at a fast-food restaurant isn’t meant to be a career. Those people looking to bring home the big bucks should take the right steps: learn the necessary skills or trades, get an education and then work their way up.
People shouldn’t have things just handed to them.
Jennifer Jimino, Mechanic Falls
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