Are Higher Standards for Workers Good for Local Economic Development?
A Debate about the Economic Experience of American Cities with Wage Standards
From Los Angeles to Philadelphia, and San Antonio to Cleveland, cities across the country are adopting laws to ensure that when businesses receive taxpayer subsidies they also pay family-supporting wages. Supporters of these laws argue that they are successfully promoting responsible development: workers receive better wages and benefits, private companies compete on a fair playing field, and taxpayers receive good value for their investment. But critics claim that these laws cost cities jobs and create a poor business environment.
Please join the Center for American Progress Action Fund for a lively debate on whether American cities can use these standards to promote sustainable growth. Dr. William Lester will also present new research arguing that wage standards are not job killers.