The immediate impact of the minimum-wage increase will probably be negligible because we are already paying those rates. But there probably will be some backlash further on down the road.

But as to its impact on our operational effectiveness and what's already underway here, it's negligible.

Mr. Speaker, the time for an increase in the minimum wage has not just arrived; it is long overdue.

Whether we were doing the minimum-wage increase or not this year, the wages were still going to go up because of the market. There always will be people who need to start at minimum wage, but there are not many people that have to in this market.

Our organization is opposed to any increase in the minimum wage. The marketplace should set the minimum wage and we feel ... that it will cause job losses in the state.

The minimum wage was due for an increase, but it was important that we offset its cost to small businesses.