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Raising New York’s Fast-Food Wages Would Be Good for Workers, Taxpayers, and the Economy
Karla Walter, Associate Director of the American Worker Project at the Center for American Progress Action Fund, testifies before the New York State Fast Food Wage Board.
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Thank you, members of the Fast Food Wage Board for this opportunity to present brief remarks.
My name is Karla Walter. I am the Associate Director of the American Worker Project at the Center for American Progress Action Fund. CAP Action is an independent, nonpartisan, and progressive education and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through ideas and actions.
At CAP Action, I conduct research on how cities, states, and the federal government can uphold high standards for workers, allow businesses to compete on an even playing field, and ensure taxpayers receive good value.
In my testimony today, I will make three main points:
- Despite rapid growth in the fast-food industry, the wages of fast-food workers in New York state are woefully inadequate.
- The wage board should issue recommendations to reach a minimum wage for fast-food workers of $15 per hour. Raising the wage would help workers afford the basic costs of supporting their families and ensure that taxpayers do not foot the bill of supporting these workers with public assistance.
- An increased minimum wage will not harm the fast-food industry and will have little impact on job growth.
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