The Minimum Wage Increase Needs You in November

The other day Chuck Todd on MSNBC was analyzing some poll data about favorability of Washington.  Out of the analysis, one of the conclusions was it looks like a lot of people will be staying home.  That allows the hard-core political followers (who tend to be very polarizing) to run the show.  This is not a good thing for the average American.

Todd Epp with Northern Plains News released a poll yesterday over the minimum wage initiative. 

Over half of the minimum wage measure respondents—52.1 percent—said they supported Initiated Measure 18, which would increase the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $8.50 per hour, tipped worker’s wages from $2.13 per hour to $4.25 per hour, and implement an annual cost of living increase. 

Just over 28 percent (28.4 percent) said they would vote against it and 19.5 percent were unsure.

You read that right.  The minimum wage initiative is winning right now with 52.1 percent versus 28 percent.  That is good news for improving the lives of thousands of South Dakotans.  The poll also broke support for the initiative down by party.  

“Minimum wage continues to receive support from a majority of South Dakota voters,” NBP partner Paul Nielson said. “Democrats (71.2 percent support) and independents/others (62.2 percent support) are especially supportive, while only 36 percent of Republicans say they will vote for it, with 21.8 percent of Republicans “undecided”).

It is the Republican party that overwhelmingly disagree with the minimum wage.  What does that tell you?  If you are an independent that supports minimum wage increase, then you should consider voting for the Democrat running in your district.  This is one of those laws I could see the Republican legislature supported by Daugaard that would pass a law to do an end around the initiative, especially if it is close.

Beyond that, if you support a minimum wage increase, you have to come out and vote in November.  If nothing else gets you to the polls, let it be that you are making clear your support for the minimum wage increase.  If you don't then you allow a minority of voices silence yours and the majority.