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Hi Justin... Thank you for reaching out to clarify my position regarding the local $15 minimum wage proposal. Its important for our customers and your readers to first understand that underU4men and may retailers up on the Hill actually support a fair equitable wage. You asked if Im afraid to speak out because many customers support an increase, of course not, and the reason is simple! we agree with them. We just dont agree with the method or process and have an obligation to share what is at stake and why. The issue is the level & speed of the proposal and that it's localized and not at the state or more important the Federal level. Im proud that my small boutique stores pay well above the current minimum wage. Our wages are dictated by the high value we place on the work of our staff but also our ability to price the goods we sell, thus the profitably of the stores. The whole market in the U.S. governs this not just the competition down the street, especially for stores like mine that sell national branded apparel. Washington and Oregon have the highest minimum wage standards in the U.S. The argument gos, we have proven to the nation thats its possible for business to flourish with higher wages This is partially true, but the market place has become global and does so more and more everyday. Im sure that most of your readers purchased a bit more off the web this past holiday season. A localized increase of the minimum at the scale proposed could only be sustained if the retailer could raise prices. Problem is, its not possible as pricing is controlled nationally by the brands. We also already payout a much higher % of sales to wages then the rest of the country, theres not room left to absorb more, not with the increase in web competition. My customer is young, connected and price shops the many web stores that offer the same product. With the retail price set at the national level by most of the brands, we cant raise them. We also cant afford to let out of state stores have an even greater advantage. Many of the large web stores have distributions centers in the lowest wage states in America, paying the Federal minimum of $7.25. But there is more to the pricing issue, the sales tax neutrality act has yet to pass, so theres another 9.5% no sales tax advantage on top of the low wages. Its the combination makes it impossible to raise my price. Minimum wage reform and income equality needs to come at the Federal level. Its a complex issue and must be coupled with other equity solutions to target the 15% of minimum wage earners that are single & head of a household. A localized broad-based increase for everyone working for minimum wage is not the correct solution, a national approach is. Capitol Hill is a unique diverse community, we are proud to be a part of it and proud to be able to offer the 5 students working for us a fun rewarding workplace that respects and pays them with a fair wage. We hope we are able to continue this tradition as we work to support national reforms. Best regards, Steven Lien owner underU4men 709 Broadway East Seattle, WA 98102

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