Nebraska businesses bracing for bigger minimum wage hike in 2016

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SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Dillon Dixon, 18, who works at a Sonic Drive-In in Omaha, is one of those affected by Nebraska’s 75-cent minimum wage increase effective Thursday.

http://www.omaha.com/money/nebraska-businesses-bracing-for-bigger-minimum-wage-hike-in/article_1898bd19-92bc-5822-bad8-c39e0f28d7b1.html

POSTED: MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 12:30 AM
By Cindy Gonzalez / World-Herald staff writer

While Nebraska businesses don’t expect to be slammed right away by the minimum wage hike taking effect Thursday, many are bracing for a later hit, particularly when the next wage bump takes effect in 2016.

Employers say the 75-cent increase to $8 isn’t too alarming because even the most affected industries typically pay above the minimum wage to compete for quality workers in a state with one of the lowest unemployment rates. But fast-forward to the following January’s $9 minimum wage, and concern elevates.

Angst is exacerbated by other rising business costs, including food and health care. Only so much added expense can be passed along to the consumer, merchants say, before business plummets.

“We’re looking for ways to sharpen our pencils and cut other corners,” said Linda Dennis, operations director at Runza Restaurants, who also is incoming board president of the Nebraska Restaurant Association.

FULL story at link.

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