Going downtown to encourage local small businesses in San Jose about raising the minimum wage from 8 to 10 dollars an hour seemed challenging to begin with. While driving to MLK library to participate in this campaign, I pictured many citizens and students being there. But when I arrived, there were less than 10 people participating. We divided into 3 and went into many stores trying to speak with local business owners or managers. From my evaluation, all of the owners already knew about this proposition and was against it. Their store had trouble surviving as is, and increasing expenses will give them even more issues. Even telling them the positives and how it will boost business, they are afraid to take that risk. They are willing to pay workers more money only if their business was making more. But unfortunately, businesses in the downtown area are struggling to survive. From businesses that made cupcakes, dine-ins, or coffee shops, responses were all the same. This, however, was a small observation made in a 3 hour time span. Raising the wage campaign needs more support from the community. Onwards, if you want to make a difference, and want to help our communities strive, come out and spread the word! There is a bike party on July 21st at 10am till 1pm where will be meeting up in front of MLK on 4th and San Fernando.
-Richard Huynh, student at DeAnza Community College.
For more information, visit raisethewagesj.com. Support!
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