Support plummets when consequences of wage hike are explained

Washington D.C. -- Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released the results of a new poll conducted by Google Consumer Surveys finding that the majority of New York State residents oppose Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed $15 minimum wage when its consequences are explained. Activists have jumped on a new Quinnipiac poll finding that 62 percent of New Yorkers support a consequence-free $15 minimum wage to make the case that public opinion is on their side. This poll suggests otherwise.

Similar to Quinnipiac, EPI’s poll found that 57 percent of New Yorkers support a $15 minimum wage when its consequences aren’t explained. But that support flips and 57 percent oppose a $15 minimum wage if it would cause some less-skilled employees to lose their jobs. Two-thirds oppose the mandate if it would cause some small businesses to close. (See the full results below.)

A survey of nearly 1,000 New York fast food businesses released by EPI earlier this year found that a $15 minimum wage would cause some fast food employers to reduce staffing levels and even shut down, as they scramble to offset higher labor costs when customers won't pay for it through higher prices. 

EPI Research Director Michael Saltsman has an op-ed in today’s New York Post explaining the significance of these poll results. To read it, click here.

NEW YORK $15 MINIMUM WAGE POLL RESULTS

New York's minimum wage will rise to $9 an hour at the end of this year. Would you support raising it further to $15 an hour?	Support	57%
	Oppose	43%
If you knew that creating a $15 hourly minimum wage would cause some less-skilled employees to lose jobs, would you support this policy?	Support	43%
	Oppose	57%
If you knew that creating a $15 hourly minimum wage would cause some small businesses to close, would you support this policy?	Support	33%
	Oppose	67%

“Polling a $15 minimum wage without explaining its consequences is like polling support for a free lunch,” said Michael Saltsman, research director at the Employment Policies Institute. "Policymakers in New York State and around the country should take note: Support for a minimum wage plummets when its real-world consequences are explained."

For more information, visit EPIOnline.org. 

The Employment Policies Institute is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to studying public policy issues surrounding employment growth. In particular, EPI focuses on issues that affect entry-level employment. EPI receives support from restaurants, foundations, and individuals. Learn more at www.epionline.org.

*Poll of 504 residents of New York State were surveyed between Sept. 20 and Sept. 22 by Google Consumer Surveys. Margin of error is +/- 4 percent.