October 12th
Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce Announces Opposition to Amendment Two
Today, the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce announced its opposition to the proposed Florida Constitutional Amendment 2 (Minimum Wage Amendment). This item is on the November general election ballot.
“With all the challenges our small businesses have faced in 2020, burdening them with this financial mandate will only hurt the workers that this amendment is purported to help,” stated Chamber Board Chairman Justin Beck.
According to the Florida Chamber, research has found that while entry level, training wage workers might make more per hour, employers will be forced to reduce hours to make ends meet ultimately offsetting higher earnings and forcing many to take second or third jobs. Businesses will be forced to shift their workforce toward more experienced workers, resulting in less jobs for entry level workers.
Equity gaps already exist in America, and in Florida. Amendment 2 would only serve to create larger gaps for entry level employees, many of whom are minorities, seniors, young adults and re-entry workers. Job loss and a shrinking economy would cost state and local governments more than $700 million a year and lead to higher taxes on good and services.
“If this amendment passes, Florida would be the only state in America with a constitutionally mandated minimum wage,” said Chamber Policy Committee Chair Ray Walker. “If passed, this mandate cannot be altered and there would be no flexibility during economic crisis and downturns, like COVID-19.”