Is a $22 minimum wage a bad idea?

Seattle has announced a new minimum wage of $22.14 per hour, effective January 1, 2027, making it the highest in the nation. The current minimum wage is $21.30, ranking third in Washington state. Washington state’s overall minimum wage will increase to $17.73 in 2027. Many restaurant owners express concerns about profitability amid rising costs, while other states, such as California and New Jersey, are also raising their minimum wages, with New York’s rate currently at $17.00.