LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Living wage would give economic boost

OPINION:

The living-wage bill was approved by the D.C. Council and the New York City Council (“D.C. Council approves bill imposing ’living wage’ requirement on Wal-Mart,” Web, July 10). This would mean an increase in wages and benefits to Wal-Mart employees.

Costco pays well above the minimum wage and continues to make exceptional profits. But how did Wal-Mart react to the news of the wage-requirement passage? Wal-Mart says it will not build three stores in Washington if the measure passes.

The Economic Policy Institute shows that raising the hourly minimum wage to $10.50 could add at least $60 billion in consumer spending. Increased minimum wage means increased spending in your community.

GREGORY STRAUSBAUGH

Redding, Calif.