There has never been such a drastic change on the minimum wage than there is with the switch to $15 / hour in Seattle.

This new measure will not only serve as a more income for the lower class but also raise prices within the city, serving as a paradox for the poor, according to the Seattle Times columnist, Danny Westneat.

The main drawback to note on this change in pay is: why is it necessary to move the all costs up?  What’s the point in raising pay, if that only raises prices in return?

By making the pay increase, the prices will rise immediately however the income won’t seem effective to employees for some time.

In the meantime, while Seattle residents try to play catch up with the increase in prices, they will lose money.

The paychecks won’t be cashed until the employee is already in debt to the higher prices.  So is this really a step towards the future or a step backwards?

In the long run, this will be more effective.  The higher prices will bring in more money through tourism and out of state or country visitors.

Especially with the good weather, summer vastly approaching, and people gearing up for vacations, this pay increase will soon prove to be successful.
This is a long term project, although this will effect residents in the short term, this could be a few months of adjustment as the wallet meets the amount of the prices.

Until then all that can be done is careful money spending and a little bit of waiting.