Business owners say minimum wage could push up prices

By MICHAEL KRANSZ
Capital News Service
LANSING — Some Michigan small businesses that pay employees more than the state’s minimum wage say the recent increase could drive costs up for their customers. It rose from $7.40 to $8.15 on Sept. 1 in the first of four phases leading to $9.20 in 2018 for workers who don’t get tips. Mike Valle, owner of Valle’s Village Market in Marquette, said the increase could translate into a price-hike domino effect, even though he is already paying employees more. “I can’t say right now, but I’m sure it’s going to have an impact on the prices,” Valle said.