Florida voters think minimum-wage workers should get a $1 hourly pay raise despite warnings that it could backfire on the working poor, a statewide survey indicated Friday. If Floridians approve a state minimum wage, workers would get a raise from the $5.15 federal minimum and future increases tied to inflation. "It makes sense that the minimum wage needs to be increased," said Rich Templin, a spokesman for the Florida AFL-CIO. "Because when these workers have greater spending power, it's good for small business and good for the whole economy." The labor federation was part of a statewide coalition of civil-rights groups, community activists and unions supporting what will be Amendment 5 on the ballot. The Mason-Dixon Poll showed 59 percent support the minimum-wage amendment and 26 percent oppose it. The error margin was plus or minus 4 percent. [more
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