“If $15 is required of workers then they are making $30,000 or so annually. “
Just about what my wife and I make on Social Security. If wait staff is making the same income as I get, plus their tips, my days of tipping are over!
I don’t live in Seattle anymore; I could see the writing on the wall 30 years ago and got out, but if the whole state goes to $16 an hour, I’ll be selling the house and heading for Idaho. Probably should do it now and beat the rush before real estate over there starts climbing.
“Just about what my wife and I make on Social Security. If wait staff is making the same income as I get, plus their tips, my days of tipping are over!”
There ya go. The next thing is to increase all government payments to buy votes. Of course, you obviously already know that such things cause inflation and any increase you see will be back to the same or less buying power that you have now. They’ll also increase taxes like property and income taxes to compensate for your increased income.
Interesting history of yours. My wife’s parents did exactly the same thing. Left Seattle in 1976, moved to Ohios then Colorado, then retired to Osburn, Idaho, for the low cost of living. Served them well, too. They died 20 years back but same trek as you maybe.
More unintended consequences when one branch of government makes rules that affect others. A fine mess, Ollie..