Raise the minimum wage? The mobilization of low-wage workers nationwide calling for a $15-an-hour minimum wage has sparked a massive economic debate. Would a wage increase boost the local economy or lead to job cuts? What’s a fair minimum wage? Host Brian Callanan moderates a live, interactive, televised discussion with a panel of business owners, lawmakers, economic experts and low-wage workers. Join the conversation!

When: 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10
Doors open at 6 p.m., audience instructions at 6:30 p.m.

Where: NewHolly Gathering Hall, 7054 32nd Ave. S.
Admission is free. RSVP online or call (206) 684-8821 to reserve your spot! Or weigh in online during the live show at seattlechannel.org.

At $9.19 per hour, Washington state has the highest minimum wage in the country. But is it enough to live or raise a family on in Seattle? And how would a mandate to raise the minimum wage impact local businesses and their employees? An initiative calling for a $15-an-hour minimum wage for the city of SeaTac’s hospitality and transportation workers is on the Nov. 5 ballot. Could Seattle become the next city in Western Washington to vote on a $15-an-hour minimum wage?

On the panel speaking in favor of raising the minimum wage is Lori Pfingst of the Washington State Budget & Policy Center and fast-food worker Carlos Hernandez. Speaking against raising the minimum wage is small-business owner Dan Bent of Bent Burgers and Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center.

Seattle Speaks – presented in partnership by Seattle Channel, CityClub and Town Hall – is an Emmy-award winning program with a real-time, multimedia format featuring audience polling meters, online polling, social media, e-mail and video segments.