Trostel discusses minimum wage referendum with Morning Sentinel
Philip Trostel, a professor of economics at the University of Maine, spoke with the Morning Sentinel for an article about Question 4 on the state’s ballot. Many restaurant workers in central Maine who make their living off tips say they are concerned about their future if voters approve an increase that would raise the minimum wage gradually to $12, according to the article. The referendum proposal also would bring the minimum wage for tipped workers, currently set at half the regular minimum wage, up to $12 an hour by 2024, the article states. Trostel said restaurant workers probably don’t need to worry about losing their tips, and while he said minimum wage increases are generally good for the economy, he also expressed concerns about whether the proposal does go too far too fast. “Minimum-wage increases are good for workers if they keep their jobs,” Trostel said. “If they make more money, great; but the issue is does it lead to less employment?”