ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – With Alaska employees who currently earn an $11.91 minimum wage set to see an increase to $13 per hour on July 1, along with receiving required paid sick leave, business leaders statewide are divided on if the long-term impact will mean cost increases or increased consumer spending and better working conditions.
The increase is a result of voters approving Ballot Measure 1 in November with a 58% vote. By 2027 the $13 per hour wage will increase to $15 per hour. The measure also requires mandatory paid sick leave up to seven days.
Since Mark Robokoff, owner of Anchorage’s AK Bark pet supply store, became one of 130 Alaska business owners to align with the Alaska Business for Better Jobs coalition, and publicly support the measure, his view continues to be that Measure 1 will encourage customers to spend more at local businesses…