News and perspective on public policy issues affecting Washington's economy and quality of life, brought to you by the Economic Opportunity Institute.
Despite have the best minimum wage in the county at $9.19/hour in 2013, Washington’s minimum wage still falls short of what many people need to meet basic needs. A recent report from the Alliance for a Just Society titled The Job Gap Report finds that many minimum wage workers are struggling just to make ends meet. […]
A new study demonstrates big retailers could provide the nation a needed economic boost by paying higher wages – all while remaining profitable and continuing to offer low prices. Researchers at Demos have published a new study, titled Retail’s Hidden Potential, that explores the effects of establishing a new wage floor for the lowest-paid retail […]
Washington state has been a national leader with our landmark minimum wage law, passed in 1998 by two-thirds of Washington voters. That law increased Washington’s minimum wage, and tied all future increases to inflation – making increases automatic and predictable. Since then, nine states and several cities have followed suit – and last night’s election […]
There’s nothing more enticing than a good meal, but a recent report released by the Food Chain Workers Alliance might make your next feast a little less appealing. The report, The Hands That Feed Us, is an unnerving account of this country’s food industry and the state of its workers – a place where just […]
