Learn Whether Raising the Minimum Wage Helps or Hurts a City Economy

Tacoma – On Thursday, September 10, 2015, at 7:00 p.m., John Burbank will answer the question “What Really Happens when Cities Raise the Minimum Wage?” at a free public presentation held as part of the Pierce County Democrats general meeting.  All, including non-Democrats, are encouraged to attend the presentation at the IBEW Local 76 Hall, 3049 S. 36th Street, Tacoma, WA 98409.  Mr. Burbank is Executive Director of the Economic Opportunity Institute, an independent, non-partisan, and non-profit public policy think tank, based in Seattle.

Tacoma’s voters will decide this November whether to raise the minimum wage.  While a raise would obviously benefit workers who receive it, many may wonder how the wage increase will affect the local economy and businesses.  Linda Isenson, Chair of the Pierce County Democrats, noted that some have asked, “Will increasing the minimum wage mean fewer jobs?  Will businesses leave Tacoma for lower-wage cities?”  Ms. Isenson stated that “this Thursday’s presentation is a chance for the public to get past the scary rhetoric and learn for themselves the answers to those and other questions, based on actual data.”

Mr. Burbank earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Washington’s Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy and Governance.  Before founding the Economic Opportunity Institute in 1998, Mr. Burbank served in many other positions, including as the project manager of the Sand Point Community Housing Association and as staff coordinator for the Washington State Senate. He also speaks Finnish, but promises to give his presentation in English.

The Pierce County Democrats meet monthly, either as a general membership or Executive Board meeting.  The public is always welcome to participate.  The meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month, at the IBEW Local 76 Hall, 3049 S. 36th Street, Tacoma, WA 98409. The September 10 meeting is a quarterly general membership meeting.  Doors open at 6:15 p.m. for a potluck and socializing; the meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.  Those attending the potluck are encouraged (but not required) to bring something to share.