To the Editor:

The federal minimum wage issue is a no-win for everybody, the way I see it.

As bad as it is for minimum wage workers (which I have done, even with a post-graduate degree), the raise in wages is not a cure-all.

Many people seem to forget that somebody has to pay those higher wages … the employer.

I can guarantee that the prices in stores won’t stay the same, but across the board prices will be raised to cover the increased cost of doing business. Some businesses, especially small businesses, will have to either close the doors, lay off workers, cut hours, or not hire badly needed new employees to be able to remain competitive.

The letter in the Monday Times-Journal by Steve Fernlund was interesting, but I don’t see any way that the minimum wage increase will raise the standard of living because the cost of living will also go up.

Those working at minimum wage will still be behind.

The $0.99 menu at a fast food restaurant will have to go up to pay for that wage increase the management will be forced to give.

I am in favor of people making a livable wage, but I hope we are realistic in our expectations. The increase is not a fix-it for the lower wage workers. It is just raising everything across the board.

Wayne Craft