The second of two live debates on the topic of an increase to the national minimum wage will start this evening at 7 p.m. at Gonzaga University's Jepson Center.

The event is free to the public.

Sponsored by the Washington Policy Center, tonight's debate will feature:

• Steve Moore, Wall Street Journal Editorial Board
• Sarah Jane Glynn, Center for American Progress
• Dr. T. William Lester, University of North Carolina
• Dr. Eric Fruits, Portland State University
• Rep. Timm Ormsby, (D) – Spokane, Workforce Development Committee Member
• Rep. Kevin Parker (R) – Spokane, Business & Financial Services Committee Member

“Our intention is to have a fair, open-minded discussion on this important topic that is front and center in our state this year,” explained WPC President Dann Mead Smith. “This is about policy solutions, not politics.”

Washington state’s minimum wage is $9.38 per hour – the highest in the country. The city of Sea-Tac recently adopted a $15 per hour minimum wage for some workers, and the city of Seattle is considering a similar measure. The legislature also has discussed increasing the state minimum wage to $12 per hour.

The WPC hosted its first state debate Wednesday evening at the University of Washington.

Emceeing the debate is TV newscaster Nadine Woodward.

 

 

 

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