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can be passed onto consumers with an almost negligible effect on prices, which is fundamentally different in the public sector. UC Berkeley economists estimated in Oakland that if the full cost of the wage increase from $9 to $12.25 was passed along to consumers, it would only raise prices 25 cents on a $10 meal. Many local minimum wage policies provide businesses with advance notice of annual increases in the minimum wage, with cities posting the new rate, based on the last year's CPI increase, 3 months before it goes into effect. This helps give businesses an opportunity to adjust their wages and finances. Automatic indexing also means workers do not have to come back to council year after year to advocate for more radical increases in the minimum wage. Impact on small, local, and ethnic businesses: There has been a lot of fear mongering but very little evidence of the negative impact of raising the minimum wage on small, local, and ethnic businesses. Even business leaders in Oakland Chinatown concede that businesses there face multiple pressures, with an existing high turnover rate. Cited by the City of Oakland, a 6 month minimum wage impact survey of over 110 businesses across Oakland neighborhoods found that businesses indicated other challenges like increasing rents more often than the minimum wage. We know that when workers make a few extra dollars an hour, they spend that money at local supermarkets, pizzerias, and other shops. We look forward to continued discussion of the San Leandro minimum wage at future Finance Committee and full city council meetings, and appreciate your consideration. Sincerely, Bella Comello, FAME and San Leandro Resident East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy Faith Alliance for a Moral Economy (FAME), a project of EBASE Fight for $15/East Bay Organizing Committee ILWU Local 6 SEIU 2015 SEIU UHW UFCW/Making Change at Walmart UNITE HERE 2850