Does Walmart closure mean higher minimum wage equals fewer jobs?

Does Walmart closure mean higher minimum wage equals fewer jobs?

Two years ago, Thumbtack — a South of Market startup that connects consumers with local contractors — conducted a survey to see what they thought of proposals to raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10, as per President Obama’s bid “to give America a raise.”

[...] what happens if Washington passes Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders’ proposal to more than double the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour — or Californians pass a ballot measure to raise the state minimum wage to $15 from $10?

A city councilman told the Post that behind closed doors Walmart blamed D.C.’s minimum-wage rules (currently $11.50 per hour, but the wage could rise to $15 if voters pass a ballot measure).

Thumbtack chief economist Jon Lieber finds it amazing how the $10.10 plan blossomed into a $15 floor, which may make sense in high-cost urban areas, but would put a hard squeeze on employers in places like Laramie, Wyo.

The vast majority of the small businesses surveyed by Thumbtack already pay well above the minimum wage, which is not surprising as many provide professional services.

In 2014, former GOP gubernatorial candidate and Silicon Valley entrepreneur Ron Unz worked the conservative case for a higher minimum wage.