Florida Chamber stresses impacts $15 wage hike will have on seniors, families
Coronavirus devastated budgets in both blue and red states. Image via AP.

coronavirus economics
Polling suggests the amendment will likely clear over 60% voter approval.

The Florida Chamber Foundation cautioned Floridians on Wednesday about the challenges seniors will face if voters approve the $15 minimum wage amendment.

“It really is going to mean substantial increases if you’re on a fixed income,” Florida Chamber Chief Economist Jerry Parrish said. “Restaurants, lawn service, dry cleaning, home repair, those things. Since seniors spend more on services than they do on goods, it really could be a big impact here for those seniors and people on fixed incomes.”

The Chamber’s warning comes less than three weeks before Election Day when voters will decide on Amendment 2. If passed with at least 60% approval, the constitutional amendment would bump Florida’s minimum wage to $10 an hour in 2021. It would then rise $1 each year until it hits $15 in 2026.

Florida’s current minimum wage is $8.56.

Rep. Mel Ponder also spoke at the chamber’s online forum. He described Amendment 2 as a “mistake that cannot be fixed” even during an economic crisis.

“Florida would be the only state with a constitutionally mandated minimum wage,” the Republican lawmaker said. “I’m not so sure Florida wants to be the first constitutionally mandated state with a mandatory minimum wage.”

Ponder also noted the ballot language associated with the amendment. He called the language a “big deal.”

“State and local government costs will increase to comply with the new minimum wage levels,” Ponder read aloud.

He continued: “This proposed constitutional amendment is estimated to have a net negative impact on the state budget. This impact may result in higher taxes or a loss of government services.”

Former Collier County school board member Erika Donald echoed Ponder’s concerns and said it will be a “disaster” for the state economy.

Donald added that even though the amendment is well-intentioned, it will hurt low-income families, young and unskilled workers, and families – many of whom are grappling with the state’s high unemployment.

“The reality is that we cannot afford higher unemployment in our state. we already are struggling after COVID-19. We need these businesses to be able to come back and if this amendment passes here in the next month, they are not going to be able to look ahead and be able to rehire and start building because they know that this is looming ahead of them.”

While the COVID-19 pandemic is a common argument among the amendment’s critics,  proponents argue a higher minimum wage would lift thousands out of poverty and reduce social program dependency.

Notably, Amendment 2 is spearheaded by John Morgan, a prominent attorney who has poured millions into the amendment. In a forum in late September, he described Florida’s current $8.56 minimum wage as a “slave wage.”

A recent statewide by St. Pete Polls show 65% of voters are poised to vote yes on the amendment. That level of support easily clears the 60% threshold required for voters to amend Florida’s Constitution.

Jason Delgado

Jason Delgado covers news out of the Florida State Capitol. After a go with the U.S. Army, the Orlando-native attended the University of Central Florida and earned a degree in American Policy and National Security. His past bylines include WMFE-NPR and POLITICO Florida. He'd love to hear from you. You can reach Jason by email ([email protected]) or on Twitter at @byJasonDelgado.


7 comments

  • Sonja Fitch

    October 14, 2020 at 2:01 pm

    Vote yes for the common good!

  • ted kruze

    October 14, 2020 at 2:40 pm

    Gross! The Florida Chamber of Commerce handwashes the Republicans’ jock straps!

    The #15 is as misleading as hell! It will be six years before the minimum wage actually becomes $15 – and by then – the reality will be that it should be something much closer to $20!

    Florida’s current minimum wage is a measly $8.46 – AND ONLY $5.44 FOR TIPPED WORKERS! P-A-T-H-E-T-I-C!

    If the amendment passes, the minimum wage will go up to $10 in 2021 – then another $1 per year through 2026.

    IF BUSINESSES CANNOT PAY A LIVING MINIMUM WAGE – T-H-E-Y S-H-O-U-L-D N-O-T B-E I-N B-U-S-I-N-E-S-S !!!

  • Ocean Joe

    October 14, 2020 at 7:16 pm

    “Florida would be the only state with a constitutionally mandated minimum wage,” the Republican lawmaker said. “I’m not so sure Florida wants to be the first constitutionally mandated state with a mandatory minimum wage.”

    THAT’S BECAUSE THE STATE LEGISLATURE DOES NOT REPRESENT THE PEOPLE, ONLY THE SPECIAL INTERESTS WHO CAN AFFORD LOBBYISTS AND CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS.

  • Traveling RN

    October 14, 2020 at 10:42 pm

    Minimum or entry level wages are just that, entry level. I would hope that most would make more than an entry level wage which many do. Florida does not have a state income tax, inheritance tax and other taxes that many other states have. Brace yourself for more automation, higher costs of goods, and fewer jobs in addition to fewer services. Bad idea!

  • TravelingRN

    October 14, 2020 at 10:47 pm

    Very bad idea!! Hello higher costs, higher taxes, fewer jobs and more automation.. Florida is a service oriented economy..

    VOTE NO!!!!

  • Brian E Roche

    October 15, 2020 at 7:26 am

    My Goodness…ALL the Unnecessary hand wringing over this Amendment…

    As Day turns to Night and Vice Versa, the Flori-Duh Republican Legislature, as it has with MOST if Not ALL previous Amendments, will just come up with some Legislative “fix” to, ONCE AGAIN, Thwart the will of the Voters…

    So Relax…

  • Dan Lanske

    October 15, 2020 at 7:47 am

    Vote no!

Comments are closed.


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