Quote:
Originally Posted by rubecube
I was thinking you could set up "economic zones" and legislate wages for businesses who operate in those based on the costs of living in those zones. This might also have some positive affects on climate change, as it would hopefully limit commuting.
The problem you run into there is again with the speculation issue. Small business are going to be unfairly punished and pushed out if population density increases and housing costs continue to rise. The last thing anyone wants to see is an urban core overrun with chain restaurants and H&Ms.
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People would immediately shop in a zone with lower wages, thus lower prices. Why go for a 25$ burger when you can get the same thing for 12$, next zone over.
Raising minimum wage faster than inflation isn't the answer. If we want to give everyone a basic standard of living it needs to come through taxation and subsidies. Make under a certain amount? Here's your free phone plan, here's a rent top up, here's food stamps etc.
At the very least this would give us the data and analytics to make informed decisions. Or we can just keep blathering about how everyone needs a minimum of 25$.