Think about your local diner or corner store, places where you can buy a newspaper, coffee, maybe get a quick bite before work. These are often family-run businesses barely making ends meet.

The proposed increase in federal minimum wage to $15 an hour is meant to help people earn more money and lift them out of poverty. The official story is that it will empower workers by ensuring fair pay.

But here's the real economic reality beneath this: businesses operate on margins, not on promises. If you're running a small shop or restaurant, your profit comes from the difference between what you charge for goods and services versus how much it costs to produce them.

This is like your household budget. Imagine if suddenly everything in your house cost twice as much but you still had to pay your bills with the same amount of money. Would you still be able to put food on the table?

Small business owners are facing rising operational costs, from rent to utilities and supplies, without a corresponding increase in revenue. For many, raising wages to $15 an hour could mean cutting staff or even closing down entirely.

I did not want to believe this would happen. But my late husband always said that when the government mandates something, it's often at the expense of those who have no other choice but to comply - in this case, small business owners and their employees.

What does this mean for your children or grandchildren? It means fewer opportunities for jobs right out of high school or college. Fewer chances for mom-and-pop stores that used to line every main street when you were a kid.

I stayed up last night thinking about the families behind these businesses, wondering how they'll manage through this.

While it's important to support workers and ensure fair compensation, we must also consider the broader impact on our economy. A delicate balance is needed between providing for employees and keeping small businesses afloat.