May you and yours throughout Louisville and beyond have a very, very Merry Christmas.

Contrary to the concerns raised by some of the guests and callers that we had on Saturday's show, an overwhelming majority of respondents - 88 percent actually - voted in favor of the Metro Council decision to raise the wage to $9.00 an hour by July 2017 in our recent poll.

We are not unsympathetic to the concerns of some small businessmen, how the increases of payroll make things a bit tougher to remain viable. That said: come on, folks. 50 cents in July 2015, another 50 cents in July 2016 and 75 cents more for 2017. For a full time employee, that is another $20.00 per week before taxes. Even with multiple employees, that is hardly a devastating ravage to one's bottom line. Will the price of some goods and services go up? Possibly. However marginal, but possibly.

Does such a price difference make one uncompetitive? It depends upon the industry that relies upon minimum wage. For example, Louisville's fast food and other types of restaurants will not be leaving the city en masse fleeing for the $7.25 that will still be paid in Oldham, Trimble or Spencer counties. The primary industry that might be affected would be low-skilled light industrial labor, however, the nature of the compromise and the gradual year-to-year increases should ease any concerns of small businessperson pain.

For all of the protestations of financial and commercial ruin, it is much ado about nothing. However, that extra $80-$100 per month can make sure a utility stays on, the rent can be paid or a co-pay can be made.

https://soundcloud.com/bhblouisville/122014-brothers-helping-brothers-radio-show-minimum-wage

carolyn heine

Caroline Heine of Seed Capital Kentucky, was present at a December 15 District 5 meeting held at the Yearlings Club, 4309 West Broadway. Heine shared current updates on the development of the West Louisville Food Hub project with Cheri Bryant Hamilton, District 5 Councilperson and a couple of dozen interested community residents.

Link to Dream and Hustle article

This is one of West Louisville's opportunities to "change the game." 

Let's take advantage of that opportunity.

 

On October 16, our brother Haven Harrington made a presentation at Pecha Kucha Louisville. It just became available on YouTube, so we at Narrow The Gap! extend a hand to the sisters and brothers working mightily to make the neighborhoods of West Louisville a better place to live and work.