Who knew that could be such a controversial question? As lawmakers decided whether it should happen, the topic is getting hotter and hotter. So hot, in fact, tempers are flaring all over the United States. Those who oppose the amount of the increase have what they believe to be legitimate reasons to give a minimal increase or no increase at all. Proponents, however, have counter reasons for why $15 per hour should be the bare minimum amount taken into consideration for the increase. Here are some reasons, for and against:
For:
- It has not been raised since July 2009.
- Nobody can live off $7.25 per hour.
- The cost of living has increased significantly in the past 13 years.
- Underpaid workers generally have less in savings if they are able to save money at all.
- It is hard to buy a home without more income.
- Not everyone wants to go to college, can afford to go to college, or have the wherewithal to complete a full degree program. They should still be able to make a living wage.
- It will help with the prevention of poverty.
Against:
- Minimum wage is not meant to be a living wage. It is mostly for unskilled or first-time workers.
- The United States will lose more jobs because more businesses will shut down, due to not being able afford to pay the higher wage.
- Businesses may pass the higher costs on to customers.
- Some jobs should not pay $15 per hour because they do not require enough labor to justify the cost.
- Lower wage industries have been hit the hardest during the pandemic. Raising the minimum wage will not help save those industries.
- It will hurt the economy.
Is raising the minimum wage good or bad? Should it be raised to $15 per hour? That depends on who you ask. What do you think?
Project Idea Evolution 