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Harrison Residents Would Support Minimum Wage Increase

HARRISON, N.Y. -- Talks are occurring both nationally and locally about raising the minimum wage, and Harrison residents say it could be a positive change.

Christina Salcedo said that raising the minimum wage will probably help a lot of people, but could lead to inflation.

Christina Salcedo said that raising the minimum wage will probably help a lot of people, but could lead to inflation.

Photo Credit: Casey Donahue

President Barack Obama recently signed an executive order requiring businesses with federal contracts to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $10.10 an hour. He has also urged Congress to raise the national minimum wage.

"I think that would be extremely great," said Christina Salcedo. She said that by raising the minimum wage, there is the risk of inflation and that stores might raise their prices or hire fewer people. "They might raise the rent prices, which is one of the main problems in the first place, especially here in New York."

She said that inflation was controlled, then it could be beneficial.

"As long as they raise the minimum wage, and only steadily increase the rent prices, I think that will help a lot of people out. That will also lead to fewer people on welfare, who are the ones really struggling," Salcedo said.

Paul Tocco said that he hadn't heard the minimum wage might be raised, and said it could have some benefits, but also some risks.

"It depends. In the places where the cost of living is lower, it might not be so good for the small mom and pop stores. In the bigger cities where the cost of living is higher, it probably is a good thing," Tocco said. "It can be hard on the small businesses, who may no longer be able to afford to pay as man people."

"It seems high enough," Charles Brody said of the increase. "It can help the people who are working. Whether it helps the people who aren't working is unknown."

He said that it might not have an effect on prices rising.

"Stores can do what they want. It they want to raise prices, they will do it whether the minimum wage is higher or not."

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