I believe that the minimum wage should be raised throughout Maine, but not to $15 per hour. It should actually be raised all across the country, but at most it should be between $10 and $11 per hour — based on the level of skill or work performance.

If wages were raised to or above $15 per hour, prices on goods and services would undoubtedly start going up; small businesses would suffer and, in turn, employees would suffer. Layoffs would happen, or employees would surely get a cut in hours. Businesses might even shut down or move out of state.

Yes, working Mainers need to be earning a more livable wage, but, at the same time, working at a fast-food restaurant isn’t meant to be a career. Those people looking to bring home the big bucks should take the right steps: learn the necessary skills or trades, get an education and then work their way up.

People shouldn’t have things just handed to them.

Jennifer Jimino, Mechanic Falls