A state, such as Oregon, raising the minimum wage in an effort to at least keep up with inflation is hardly a "grand experiment."  You know, of course, that the federal minimum wage has lost 30% of its buying power since 1968.  When you're addressing the minimum-wage level working class workforce, the "rich have, indeed, gotten richer" and the "poor have gotten 30% poorer.

I applaud Oregon and all other States who have taken legislative action over the years to counter this tragedy within their borders.  

Moreover, any increase in the wages of the "working poor" will immediately be recycled through the state's economy.  Don't forget these individuals and families are consumers too.  

I will gladly pay a little more for goods and services...to me,it's worth it.  The good this increase will provide for working class Oregonians, in my opinion, far exceeds the harm it may do to others.