The subject of “living wages” or higher minimum wages has sparked vigorous debate in every city or state where the issue has been put on the ballot. The subject invokes partisan politics with the left declaring “big business” only wants profit, and the right stating the market should determine wages. The truth economically tells a different story. Cities and States Enacting Minimum Wage Laws Over 100 cities have enacted living wage laws, but several high profile cities include; Los Angeles in 1999, San Francisco in 2000, and Santa Fe in 2003.