Everyone benefits from getting paid a fair wage. Our citizens and our local businesses. The cost of everything is rising and our housing costs far outpace the wage increases in Lakeland. The city commission should be able to work with local businesses and BIG corporations who have their warehouses and distribution centers in Lakeland, and encourage them to pay our workers a living wage. No one who works full time should have to struggle to pay their mortgage, rent, or food bill. Yes, per state law, there is a gradual increase to the mandated $15/hr by 2026, but we all know THAT is not even a living wage now.