Polls reach different conclusions about minimum wage support

Fast food and the workers at a recent rally for a $15 minimum wage. File photo.

Researchers say a second poll on raising the minimum wage in Kansas City shows stronger support than one released earlier this week. Public Policy Polling conducted a poll paid for by labor and clergy groups that found almost 70 percent of likely Kansas City voters support raising the minimum wage incrementally to $15 between now and 2020.

In a poll released June 16 by the Remington Research Group, 53 percent of voters said they would support an increase in the minimum wage. Public Policy Polling spokesman Jim Williams said today the different outcomes could reflect the different wording presented to participants.

 Public Policy Polling language and results

Would you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose the City of Kansas City imposing a minimum wage applicable to all work performed in the City of $8.50 per hour effective August 28, 2015, and raised to $10 per hour effective January 1, 2016, and increased $1.25 per hour each year thereafter until reaching $15 by 2020 and increase annually thereafter according to the cost of living?

Strongly support………………………………………. 53%

Somewhat support…………………………………… 16%

Somewhat oppose …………………………………… 8%

Strongly oppose………………………………………. 20%

Not sure …………………………………………………. 3%

 

Remington research question and results

The City of Kansas City is considering a proposal that would more than double the current minimum wage to $15 an hour. Do you support or oppose raising the minimum wage in Kansas City to $15 an hour?

Support         53%

Oppose         38%

Unsure           9%

Remington said in the release of its poll numbers that it was not surprised Kansas Citians supported the raise, given the “substantial African-American population combined with a strong Democratic presence.” But it added that its polling showed support at 61 percent in St. Louis, and called the Kansas City results a “slim majority” of support.

The Public Policy Poll concluded 69 percent of Kansas Citians support the raise.

However they read the results, city council members in Kansas City are listening to a citizens group that is meeting weekly to discuss the potential impact of raising the wage. The mayor has asked that group to try to reach a compromise. The council is expected to vote on the issue on July 16.