Ads on social media are drawing attention to potential cost increases for Californians if Proposition 32 is approved. The measure, which proposes a minimum wage increase, is on the November ballot.
The California Chamber of Commerce has expressed opposition to Prop. 32, citing concerns that it will lead to higher costs, fewer jobs, and reduced work hours for employees in the state. According to the Chamber, the proposition could also contribute to inflation and add to California's high cost of living while negatively impacting state revenues and increasing pressure on the state budget.
The ads suggest that Prop. 32 will adversely affect those it aims to help by forcing businesses to raise prices, thereby impacting working families during a time when financial concerns are significant.
Small businesses are expected to be particularly vulnerable to these increased costs. Additionally, Prop. 32 may raise expenses for state and local governments already dealing with budget deficits.
In a CalChamber podcast discussing the economic consequences of Prop. 32, Jennifer Barrera, President and CEO of CalChamber; Matthew Roberts, Associate General Counsel at CalChamber; and Jot Condie, President and CEO of the California Restaurant Association shared their insights.
Condie noted that typically minimum wage hikes are not decided by voters but through processes involving the Industrial Welfare Commission or local governments considering both worker interests and employer impacts.
Barrera highlighted that inflation is affecting business costs as well. Small businesses operate on slim margins and face tough decisions as suppliers increase prices. This could result in reduced employee hours or workforce size, potentially leading to unintended economic consequences for the state.
Proposition 32 outlines an increase in minimum wage from $16 an hour to $17 in 2024 and $18 in 2025 for employers with more than 25 employees. For smaller employers with 25 or fewer employees, wages would rise to $17 an hour in 2025 and $18 an hour in 2026. Future increases would be tied annually to inflation adjustments based on the consumer price index (CPI), capped at a maximum of 3.5% per year.
For further details on CalChamber's positions regarding November's ballot measures, visit their website.