Should the federal minimum wage be increased. There are better ways to help the poor.
- Should the federal minimum wage be increased. The minimum wage is once again generating contentious political debates. Nov 17, 2024 · Employees earning above minimum levels might show increased dedication and output, potentially resulting in overall productivity gains. Oct 25, 2023 · Explore the challenges and debates surrounding Texas' stagnant minimum wage, the need for change, and the advocates and obstacles of the Minimum Wage Increment Movement in the Lone Star State. With the best of intentions, minimum wage advocates argue that increases are needed to reduce poverty for the working poor and that it can be done without negatively affecting employment. Jan 16, 2025 · Minimum Wage Hikes in 2025: What Pay Rises Mean for Workers and Businesses Across the U. In fact, had the federal minimum wage kept pace with workers’ productivity since 1968 the inflation-adjusted minimum wage would be $24 an hour. On the campaign trail, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has said that needs to change. The minimum wage laws in the United States at the state level, however, are very different. , 2019). Raising the minimum wage limits the availability of these types of jobs, which means fewer people will get the opportunity to learn these important skills. I often hear from conservatives that the Feb 25, 2021 · President Biden and the Democrats in Congress have proposed gradually increasing the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025, with the stated intention to raise the pay of low wage workers. ” Jul 21, 2024 · Rachel Greszler from the conservative Heritage Foundation writes that low wage-workers and the economy at large are hurt more than helped by upping the minimum wage. Jan 30, 2021 · Proponents of the $15 federal minimum wage see a simple problem (“People don’t make enough money!”) and pitch a simple solution (“Force employers to pay them more!”). Sep 5, 2021 · Large majorities of Democrats (85%), liberals (90%), independents (72%) and moderates (77%) think the federal minimum wage should be increased, while a much slimmer 52% majority of Republicans agree. Jan 30, 2021 · Opponents of raising the minimum wage argue that most minimum wage workers are teens working their first jobs, that raising the minimum wage will kill businesses or jobs or that raising the minimum wage will have no effect at all on purchasing power because of the resulting increase in inflation. 25 an hour for more than a decade. Phase out the outdated subminimum wage for tipped workers, which has been frozen at a meager $2. The debate continues to be heated and some cities have already enacted increases they believe will benefit workers. Aug 5, 2025 · What Is the Minimum Salary in Washington State? Understand Washington State's minimum wage requirements. A minimum wage increase from “$7. 25 an hour and this figure hasn't changed in 13 years since the minimum wage was last increased in July of 2009. Feb 7, 2019 · The Act also calls for the federal minimum wage to be indexed annually after 2024 by the percentage increase of each year’s BLS-calculated median hourly wage. A Federal Reserve study found that every dollar in wage increases for low-income workers generates $1. One reason not to raise the minimum wage would be because of an increase in comptiship between younger unskilled worker and older skilled worker. ” Today, the value of the current federal minimum wage—$ 7. Is that a good idea for workers and small businesses Sep 7, 2021 · The federal minimum wage in the U. Check new hourly rates and state-wise updates. 25 to $10. But this increase could also have a negative Jan 27, 2021 · Indeed, an increase to the federal minimum wage (and the elimination of the subminimum wage for people who work for tips and people with disabilities) would have broad benefits for the economy Apr 28, 2025 · The last time Congress increased the federal minimum wage was in July 2009, meaning that as prices have risen over the last 15 years, the value of the minimum wage has fallen by 30%. House of Representatives and U. To put it in another way, Americans since 1938 have seen a fundamental change in the minimum wage standard. Thus, both sides of this argument should be considered, and all the conditions, results, and effects of raising the minimum wage in a nation should be evaluated. Nearly one-third of Black workers and one-fourth of President Obama, a supporter of raising the federal minimum wage, called for an increase to $9. Jul 23, 2025 · Should the federal minimum wage be increased? Learn the pros and cons of the debate. Free market economists, like M. 8 percent reduction in the employment of younger less-educated individuals. If passed, it would be the first Jobs and the Minimum Wage Economists have studied the job-destroying features of a higher minimum wage. The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 would: Gradually raise the federal minimum wage from $7. ) has introduced legislation to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, which would take effect next year and include automatic increases to match inflation over time. Dec 19, 2013 · These increases slightly alter our earlier estimates of the impact of a federal minimum-wage increase to $10. The current federally mandated hourly wage is $7. These adjustments highlight a growing trend to address income inequality, the rising cost of living, and the stagnation of the federal minimum wage. 93 to £8 Jul 5, 2018 · In the United States, the Federal minimum wage is $7. 25 to $17 by 2030. 75 per hour found a “20. Josh Hawley introduced a bill with Sen. Sep 9, 2016 · Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour would be a boon to some workers, but the aggregate effect would be overwhelmingly negative. 25 an hour, excluding the states that have their own wages. Jan 26, 2021 · The federal minimum wage is just $7. While some Jan 30, 2021 · In 21 states, a $15 wage would more than double the minimum; in 28, it would push the pay floor above 80% of the state-level median (rising to a full 100% of the median wage in Mississippi). , 12 cities and counties are also increasing their minimum wage this summer, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. May 26, 2023 · The decision to increase the minimum federal wage in the US will make it easier for the government to reduce expenditures on Medicaid and other social programs already in place. A 2012 analysis of the New York State minimum wage increase from $5. 25 per hour and has… Apr 27, 2021 · Title: The Importance of Raising Minimum Wage Name: Organizational Pattern: Problem/solution General Purpose: To Persuade Specific Purpose: By the end of my speech, the audience should be persuaded to increase minimum wage. Central Idea: Many people in this world live below the line of poverty, and this is because they do not make enough at their jobs to afford the cost of living. Nov 26, 2019 · Pros of raising the minimum wage Employment effects negligible. Aug 25, 2022 · Many of the States in the United States have their own minimum wage with most of them being above the federal minimum wage already, but if the states’ minimum wages can increase, so can the federal minimum wage. Research supports this theory. Apr 8, 2025 · The Raise the Wage Act would increase the federal minimum wage to $17 an hour — Here’s what to know Sen. 1 Sunset the much-criticized subminimum wages for Apr 9, 2025 · The Raise the Wage Act would help strengthen families, businesses, and our economy,” said Senator Reed. is $7. The labor movement has long advocated that working people share in the wealth we help create and our incomes should rise as we become more productive. B. Aug 6, 2025 · Should Congress Raise the Minimum Wage? Explore the complex economic and social considerations surrounding a federal minimum wage increase. The Raise the Wage Act of 2025, introduced in the U. ” Jun 1, 2008 · Calls for minimum wage hikes are increasingly being heard across the country. 25 per hour since 2009. By destroying entry-level jobs, a higher minimum wage harms the lifetime earnings prospects Sep 2, 2024 · The federal minimum wage hasn't been increased since 2009. Friednam feared the introduction of a minimum wage would cause unemployment because in competitive labour markets higher wages lead to less demand. In a graphic shared by Newsweek from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. In doing so, minimum wage hikes can result in overall reduced pay for workers. 25 and has not increased since 2009. 25 an hour has been unsuccessful. 20 hours ago · USA federal minimum wage scheduled for increase in 2026. After 2024, adjust the minimum wage each year to keep pace with growth in the typical worker’s wages. Mar 5, 2019 · Changes to federal, state & local minimum wage rates cause headaches for compensation professionals. Jun 10, 2025 · Sen. Feb 26, 2021 · How Would Raising the Minimum Wage Affect Incomes? Lifting the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025 would increase incomes for millions of families. 00 per hour, and promised to make it a priority during his second term. 25 per hour. 15 to $6. Feb 13, 2021 · Regarding CBO's suggestion that a $15 minimum wage would increase the federal deficit by $54 billion over the next 10 years, recent research directly disputes this claim. With the push to raise the federal minimum wage once again blocked, we wanted to update our previous look at state and local minimum-wage laws. 25 per hour—is the lowest it has been since 1956 and has declined by over 32 percent since it was last increased in 2009. Apr 29, 2025 · The current minimum wage of $7. A. Learn about statewide rates, local variations, specific rules, and annual adjustments. 25 an hour and has not been increased since 2009. has remained glued at $7. Learn more about the pros and cons of raising the minimum wage. 25 an hour?" "No, sir," said Bessent, who owns assets worth at least $500 million, according to The Washington Post. The unpleasant reality however, is that increases in minimum wages are accompanied by a host of negative side-effects and, more Jan 11, 2025 · As of 2025, the federal minimum wage in the U. See full list on investopedia. Mar 30, 2025 · PROBLEM-SOLUTION PERSUASIVE SPEECH OUTLINE TEMPLATE General Purpose (NOT stated in speech): TO PERSUADE Why the Federal Minimum Wage should be Raised? Specific Purpose (NOT stated in speech): To persuade the audience that the federal minimum wage be raised. Virtually all the arguments involve economics, however. Oct 30, 2024 · Question 5 would ensure that tipped workers receive the state minimum wage of $15 an hour—in addition to any tips earned—and introduce a gradual wage increase for tipped workers. Mar 16, 2021 · Many Americans remain concerned that the minimum wage increase would ultimately hurt them and their families, with partisanship driving much of that fear. Aug 7, 2023 · A new survey finds that three-quarters of HR and compensation leaders think the federal minimum wage should be increased—support stemming from retention concerns, one expert says. Index future increases in the federal minimum wage to median wage growth to ensure the value of minimum wage does not once again erode over time. Dec 27, 2024 · A higher minimum wage can improve the standard of living for millions, reduce poverty levels, and stimulate economic growth. 10 would raise the wages of roughly 30 million people and bring nearly 6 million people out of poverty, including 3. ” Today, the value of the current federal minimum wage – $7. Nov 4, 2021 · Earlier this year, the Raise the Wage Act of 2021 was introduced to raise the federal minimum wage, in annual increments, from the current level of $7. —lifting wages for more than 880,000 workers and collectively raising their earnings by more than $397 million (see Figure A). Learn about common minimum wage problems and solutions. 55 to $7. If you are passionate about this topic and want to share your views, writing an essay on why minimum wage should be raised can be a great way to do so. 25 federal minimum wage was raised—extending by yet another year the longest period in its history without an increase. 25 to $5. Jan 29, 2021 · Minimum wage pros and cons for workers and small businesses : The Indicator from Planet Money Biden is calling for a $15 federal minimum wage. Surveying US Economists on the Impact of a $15 Federal Minimum Wage Across the nation, lawmakers continue to grapple with the viability and impact of increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour. Low wages hurt all workers and are particularly harmful to Black workers and other workers of color—especially women—who make up a disproportionate share of workers who are severely underpaid. ” —Ashfaq Khan and Rose Khattar, “It’s Long Past Time To Increase the Federal Minimum Wage,” americanprogress. INTRODUCTION The Raise the Wage Act of 2021 (HR 603) would increase the federal minimum wage in five annual steps, from $7. 25 hourly minimum wage since 2009, despite significant increases in inflation and the cost of living since then. 25 an hour, the rate since 2009) by 2025, the age-old debate over how much money service Apr 8, 2025 · Over the last 50 years, nearly $80 trillion in wealth has been redistributed from the bottom 90 percent of America to the top one percent. Once the federal minimum wage is increased, the states will most likely also raise theirs. In 2019 Jun 4, 2025 · For the first time in over a decade, momentum is building in the United States to raise the federal minimum wage. Regardless of whether you think it should be a "living" Wage or whatever the definition of that is, when is it acceptable to raise the wage floor to match the reality of the current cost of things. A better solution is to not have some fixed number we have to keep changing every year. Department of Labor, “the FLSA [Fair Labor Standards Act] authorizes employers, after receiving a certificate from the Wage and Hour Division, to pay subminimum I'm confused on the Conservative perspective on the minimum wage. Jan 26, 2021 · Here is what the Act would do: Raise the federal minimum wage to $9. Jul 24, 2024 · In 2022 the Biden administration also increased the minimum wage for 70,000 federal workers and 300,000 federal contractors to $15 per hour — and urged Congress to do the same for all workers. Since then, there have been discussions of raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. Sep 24, 2024 · A recent Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago study states, “A ten percent increase in the minimum wage lowers low-skill employment by 2% to 4% and total restaurant employment by 1% to 3%. Analyze its potential impacts on workers, businesses, and the broader economy. This report finds that the raise is long overdue and would deliver broad benefits to workers and the economy. 25 per hour and has not changed since 2009. 10 because workers in these states who would have been affected by the federal increase will now have higher wages as a result of their higher state minimums. Many people believe that it should be substantially higher and others believe that increasing it would harm small businesses and the economy. Jul 8, 2019 · A compendium of recent academic research on the minimum wage that demonstrates that job losses due to raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour will be minimal and more than worth it because of wage gains overall for low-income workers. 10, index the wage to inflation and raise the tipped minimum wage for the first time in 21 years. Jul 31, 2023 · Here is what the Act would do: Raise the federal minimum wage to $9. com Jan 30, 2024 · How Increasing the Federal Minimum Wage Could Affect Employment and Family Income This interactive tool—developed and updated by the Congressional Budget Office—allows users to explore the effects of policies that would increase the federal minimum wage, which is $7. An increase to $10. We should increase minimum wage based on the cost of living in the zip code the main location of work is, that way we never have to touch it again. 5 million people of color. This legislation aims to break the political stalemate that A hard federal minimum wage as a concept is just stupid because of this. While there is certainly room to raise the minimum wage, and many states have done so with no measureable impact on employment, there clearly is a limit to how far and how fast we can go. With 21 Aug 16, 2024 · The federal minimum wage has not increased from $7. workers, their families, and entire communities This fact sheet was produced in collaboration with the Economic Policy Institute. 00 per hour. However, there is significant evidence to dispute this. According to the U. Low wages hurt all workers and are particularly harmful to Black workers and other workers of color, especially women of color Mar 9, 2021 · Summary The Raise the Wage Act of 2021 would help eliminate poverty-level wages by raising the national minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025. Tipped employees must receive $2. That wage was established in 2009 by the Fair Labor Standards Act. In announcing his wrongheaded proposal to increase the minimum wage to Jan 16, 2025 · Scott Bessent, President-elect Trump's pick to serve as treasury secretary, told Sen. Education & Workforce Committee DemocratsAbout Our Principles Committee Activity Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee Resources Media Dec 27, 2021 · Click on the article title to read more. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt. Nonetheless, the federal minimum wage hasn’t budged in those 15 years. Aug 31, 2022 · America's federal minimum wage is currently the topic of heated debate. Mar 25, 2019 · As Paul Krugman explained: So what are the effects of increasing minimum wages? Any Econ 101 student can tell you the answer: The higher wage reduces the quantity of labor demanded, and hence leads to unemployment. The federal minimum wage is a very controversial topic that has both good and bad points to each side of the discussion, many people have their own opinions about it even after hearing statistical evidence. Many consider this issue to be Should the federal minimum wage be increased? A Journal of Policy Analysis and Management Point/Counterpoint Live Event featuring Michael Reich By Michael Reich • November 4, 2021 This is a publication by the Center on Wage and Employment Dynamics. Jan 16, 2025 · The national minimum wage has been stuck at $7. In addition to these two states and D. Apr 8, 2025 · What does the Raise the Wage Act of 2025 do? The federal minimum hourly wage is just $7. Jan 30, 2022 · To fix this issue, government intervention is essential through the use of yearly fluctuation of minimum wage based on inflation rate, universal basic income and through federal monetary observation that is essential for the country. The bill is said to be expected to lift one million Americans out of poverty. This is one reason why 72 percent of US-based economists oppose a federal minimum wage of $15. What do you think? Mar 3, 2021 · Following President Joe Biden’s push to gradually raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour (from $7. The new floor would increase pay for nearly 32 million workers, about 21 percent of the U. Attention-getter: How many of you feel the federal minimum wage needs to be increased? Well, I'm going to discuss with you why I firmly believe it shouldn't be. But all these factors—poverty Dec 14, 2024 · However, others opposed to the hike also contend that increased wages may result in higher compensation costs and worse firm profitability. Today, the value of the current federal minimum wage – $7. The increases would provide an additional $86 billion annually in wages for the country’s lowest-paid workers, with the average affected worker who works year-round receiving an extra $3,100 per year. The current federal minimum wage is $7. 21 in economic activity within a year. , that the minimum wage is "more of a statewide" issue and that he believes there should Jun 10, 2021 · In the U. Is increasing it to $15 the best way to fight poverty? The issue of minimum wage has become a hotly debated topic in recent years, with advocates calling for an increase in the minimum wage to address issues of poverty and inequality. 25. Apr 20, 2016 · The federal minimum wage is currently $7. If passed, it would be the first increase in more than a decade, the longest stretch since 1938. ProCon Debate: Should the Federal Minimum Wage Be Increased? ProCon Issue in the News: Current U. Meanwhile, inflation has increased astronomically and when the minimum wage is adjusted for inflation, it has actually declined by Dec 16, 2020 · According to the Economic Policy Institute, raising the federal minimum wage to $15 by 2025 would increase the salary of 20% of wage-earning Americans. " Sanders then pressed him, asking, "So you don't think we should change the federal minimum wage of $7. Introduction The federal minimum wage, which was established in 1938, is the lowest wage that a business can lawfully pay its employees. Apr 8, 2025 · It’s past time we do right by workers and raise the minimum wage. Rarely, if ever, do debates mention public health. Jul 23, 2025 · It’s imperative that Congress and state legislatures, particularly those in the South, raise the minimum wage to foster an economy that works for all. May 12, 2024 · The federal minimum wage hasn’t budged in 15 years. Apr 8, 2025 · The time to act is now,” said Sanders. More recently, in his Febrary 2013 State of the Union address, President Obama called for raising the federal minimum wage to $9. There are better ways to help the poor. According to the Center for American Progress, the minimum wage is still at $7. The default policy option in this interactive tool is based on the Raise the Wage May 20, 2024 · Whether to raise the federal minimum wage, which has been the same since 2009, is being debated. As prices on goods keep rising every year, the Federal Minimum Wage is still at $7. 50 per hour by the end of 2011. Congress needs to act to raise it, and the next president should commit to signing a wage hike. 2 to 21. C. Since 2010, the UK minimum wage has increased far above the inflation rate – from £5. Josh Hawley (R-Mo. It is important to recognize that the jobs lost are mainly entry-level jobs. Estimates of the job losses of raising the minimum wage from $4. Critics often emphasize redistribution concerns, arguing that minimum wage increases force income transfers, potentially burdening small business owners. But, the minimum wage should be increased because increasing will also increase economic activity and spur job Mar 10, 2023 · Should the federal minimum wage be abolished, businesses would be able to hire younger workers for a lesser wage, who will go on to have increased wages due to enhanced experience (Kreiner et al. Here’s what you should know. May 29, 2025 · This, in turn, undermines support for policies such as higher minimum wages that could reduce inequality. 25 an hour. A higher minimum wage might encourage more students to drop out of school. 10 would result in a loss of 500,000 jobs”. , we’re seeing an increasing number of calls to increase the national minimum wage to $15/hour. Fighting Jul 20, 2023 · July 24 will mark 14 years since the last time the $7. An increase in the minimum wage directly benefits low-income workers by raising their earnings, thereby improving their standard of living. 50 in additional activity per dollar. 25, to $15 dollars or an appropriate amount based on the living expenses of the area. The Fair Minimum Wage Act would increase the minimum wage to $10. Jun 17, 2025 · Legislation to more than double the federal hourly minimum wage from $7. 25 since 2009, although 30 states and dozens of cities, including the District of Columbia, have increased the effective minimum wage, according to Apr 14, 2025 · The federal minimum wage has remained at $7. ) in the issue debate. 50 this year and increase it in steps until it reaches $17 an hour in 2028. 25 an hour for most U. Jun 12, 2025 · Ultraconservative Sen. So who has raised the minimum? Thirty-one states have changed or are changing their minimum wage, what about the other nineteen that are still at Congress’ minimum? Jul 31, 2023 · How the Raise the Wage Act would benefit U. Jan 30, 2021 · The value of a minimum wage job isn’t primarily the money — it’s the experience and skills gained, the stepping stone to the next job, that’s the real value. (be sure this is stated as a proposition statement). This column charts Apr 22, 2021 · Only one-in-ten Americans in all say that federal minimum wage should remain at the current level of $7. Mar 12, 2021 · How we did this Federal law sets a baseline minimum wage of $7. adults. Apr 26, 2024 · By Lew Blank The federal minimum wage was last raised in 2009 to $7. If we are going to have one it should be just that, the minimum salary required to love in the lowest COL state. federal law allows employees with disabilities to be paid less than the federal minimum wage of $7. Thesis Statement: I want to raise a topic with you that is frequently discussed today: the minimum wage. 13 per hour in cash wages and ensure that the $7. Mar 31, 2021 · In January 2021, legislators introduced the “Raise the Wage Act of 2021,” to increase the federal minimum wage from $7. Jan 10, 2025 · The minimum wage will increase in nearly half the states this year even as the federal wage floor remains stuck at $7. This fact sheet shows how a $15 minimum wage would benefit workers. S. 25 an hour for the last 12 years, the longest stretch without a boost since it was first adopted in 1938. Louis, the federal minimum wage hasn’t seen an increase since January 2010, when it rose from $6. While many states have increased the minimum wage on their own, the federal minimum wage has not increased since 2009. 15 have ranged from 625,000 to 100,000 lost jobs. 25, and Congress has not increased it since 2009. What are the arguments against raising the minimum wage? Opponents argue that raising the minimum wage can lead to job losses, increased automation, and higher consumer prices. Michigan will see May 19, 2025 · Should Minimum Wage Be Increased to Reflect Living Costs? Introduction The debate over increasing the minimum wage to align with living costs is a global issue, highlighting tensions between economic equity and business sustainability. Mar 17, 2021 · The minimum wage has stagnated at $7. It’s time to raise the minimum wage. There are currently 29 states which mandate a higher minimum Apr 15, 2025 · The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 seeks to increase the federal minimum wage to $17 an hour, impacting 22 million workers. This principle underlies much of the modern case for minimum wage increases. The debate over raising the minimum wage has raged on for years. But voters in several states, including deeply red ones such as Alaska and Missouri, chose in November to significantly increase their minimum wages this year. Apr 8, 2025 · “Our legislation will help more Americans get a foothold in the middle class by paying them a livable wage. 55 this year and increase it over the next five years until it reaches $15 an hour in 2024. Apr 8, 2025 · The bill would raise the minimum wage to $17 by 2030 according to the Economic Policy Institute. 2 After 2025, adjust the minimum wage each year to keep pace with growth in the median wage, a measure of wages for typical workers. 25 an hour to $15 an hour by 2025. Since then, consumer prices have increased by 45% — including a 49% increase in medical care prices, a 51% increase in food prices, and a 67% increase in rental housing prices. The bill would also gradually raise and then eliminate subminimum wages for tipped Jun 23, 2021 · Some economists argue that now, more than ever, the federal government should increase the federal minimum wage, believing that higher wages will entice more workers to return. Figure A shows how annual earnings for a full-time minimum wage worker fall short of the poverty line for a household of any size. ” While there have been increases in some local and state minimum wages, Congress hasn’t approved an increase in the federal $7. ) just reintroduced the Raise the Wage Act to Congress two years Apr 1, 2025 · This explainer offers a comprehensive analysis of the minimum wage, exploring its history, mechanics, intended goals, and real-world economic impact. Today, millions of Americans do arduous work in jobs that pay too little and offer too few benefits. 25 to $15 in 2025, with annual increases thereafter indexed to the median wage. In addition, increases in the minimum wage are associated with increases in worker schedule fluctuation. Feb 26, 2021 · Lawmakers are battling over raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. Apr 29, 2022 · On July 18, 2019, the house of Representatives finally passed a bill to raise the minimum wage for Americans. Another option is to index it to median wage - we seem to see the best results in a macro level when minimum wage is 40% of the median wage, like it was during the 70s. 25 since 2010, marking the longest period without an increase since the federal minimum wage was introduced in 1938. Apr 8, 2025 · Index future increases in the federal minimum wage to median wage growth to ensure the value of minimum wage does not once again erode over time. Tax cuts for high earners generate less than $0. workers, but states are free to adopt their own, higher minimums (and in some states, so are cities and counties). However, experts have disagreed on if and how an increase of this magnitude should be put into place. 25 to $15 is back, but this time it’s not a liberal Democrat leading the charge but a conservative Republican – Josh Jun 24, 2025 · On June 10, Republican Senator Josh Hawley and Democrat Senator Peter Welch introduced a bill to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 and index future increases to inflation. Support for raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour is extensive across most demographic groups, according to the survey, which was conducted among 5,109 U. After 2028, adjust the minimum wage each year to keep pace with growth in the median wage, a measure of wages for typical workers. 25 an hour—hasn’t been increased in more than a decade. The last time it was altered was in 2009, when it went from $6. CBO estimates that the increase would directly lift the wages of about 17 million workers who would otherwise earn an hourly rate of less than $15 and boost the wages of 10 million additional workers earning more than the proposed minimum. 00 federal minimum wage. Jul 25, 2023 · EPI’s analysis shows that raising the federal minimum wage to $17 by 2028 would impact 27,858,000 workers across the country, or 19% of the U. Guarantee tipped workers are paid at least the full federal minimum wage by phasing out the subminimum wage for tipped workers, which will ensure decent, consistent pay without eliminating tips. The federal minimum hourly wage is just $7. workforce (Cooper, Mokhiber, & Zipperer, 2021). My testimony today primarily concerns the likely effects of HR582 on the number of jobs, especially in low-wage states. 9. In January 2021, legislators introduced the “Raise the Wage Act of 2021,” to increase the federal minimum wage from $7. While the impact of these increases is becoming more clear, recent surveys of Should the Federal Minimum Wage Be Increased? The current federal minimum wage is $7. It’s time that elected lawmakers in Congress pass the Raise the Wage Act, to gradually raise the federal Nov 11, 2023 · Efforts to raise federal minimum pay have fallen flat However, despite numerous efforts, raising the federal minimum wage above $7. 13 since 1991. While some states and Mar 31, 2016 · Should the Federal Minimum Wage Be Increased? Read 2016 presidential candidate positions (Clinton, Trump, Johnson, Stein, Sanders, Cruz, Rubio, Bush, etc. Different states throughout the Sep 22, 2023 · Some studies also suggest that minimum wage hikes result in reduced hours for employees. Feb 5, 2019 · Raise the federal minimum wage to $8. Introduction o Attention getter: Wouldn't it be nice to live in a perfect world where This hidden cost is one of the reasons why businesses start to look at automation for their low-wage positions. 55 to its current rate of $7 Jun 20, 2025 · A new $15 federal minimum wage bill is under discussion, but it will still be some time before it materializes. Questions pertain to the effects of increases in the minimum wage on poverty, unemployment, automation, job quality, income of low-wage workers, work hours, and income inequality. Dec 31, 2024 · The latest round of pay increases, however, will not affect more than a dozen states concentrated in the South that lack a minimum wage or offer a minimum wage that does not exceed the federal No we should not raise the federal minimum wage because it would hurt small businesses, increase competition between worker, and increase prices of good. Many states and municipalities have already passed minimum wage hikes in the last Feb 23, 2021 · NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to David Wessel, director of the Hutchins Center at the Brookings Institution, about Democrats' aim to pass a COVID-19 relief package with a hike in the federal minimum wage. 25 per hour – is the lowest it has been since 1956 and has declined by over 32 percent since it was last increased in 2009. workforce. In many states, the minimum wage is automatically adjusted upward as inflation rises. 25 per hour to $15 per hour by June 2025. The role that the wage increase is bound to play in the reduction of employee turnover which will eventually result in the businesses saving on training and recruitment costs is immense and should be considered while debating about the need to increase the federal minimum wage. If we can Jan 16, 2025 · Bessent replied, "Senator, I believe that the minimum wage is more of a statewide and regional issue. 50 this year and increase it in steps until it reaches $15 an hour in 2025. Feb 8, 2021 · The bill would mark the first federal minimum wage increase in over a decade, gradually raising the bar from $7. 25 an hour has not increased in 15 years, the longest minimum wage workers have gone without a raise since 1968. ("The Effects of Minimum-Wage Increase on Employment and Family Income”) This claim is better because it shows how raising the minimum wage will decrease job growth instead of increasing it. org, July 7, 2022 Kelly Anne Smith, finance expert, stated: Apr 29, 2025 · The current minimum wage of $7. In recent years, many prominent political figures have spoken about the need to raise the federal minimum wage, which currently sits at $7. Despite the contention from critics who argue that it could lead to job losses and increased business expenses, empirical evidence suggests that the benefits of raising the minimum wage outweigh potential drawbacks. Jun 25, 2025 · On July 1, the minimum wage will increase in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington, D. In 2015, the Employment Policies Institute surveyed 166 economists in the Mar 10, 2013 · Raising the wage will make it more expensive to hire younger and low-skill workers. They serve food, clean offices, care for the young and elderly, stock shelves, and deliver pizza. If the federal minimum wage was set at a level high enough to live comfortably in San Francisco, that would translate to a Depression-era level of job . If the minimum wage were to increase to $15 per hour, then some students might choose to drop out of school to begin working a job instead. Senate on April 8, 2025, would incrementally raise the federal minimum wage to $17 an hour by 2030. As 2025 begins, millions of American workers are set to benefit from substantial pay increases due to minimum wage hikes across several states. Peter Welch to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. “As rising costs squeeze families across Rhode Island, it’s well past time to increase the federal minimum wage,” said Senator Whitehouse. On April 8, 2025, lawmakers in Congress introduced the Raise the Wage Act of 2025, a bold proposal to gradually increase the federal minimum wage to $17 an hour by 2030 and eliminate the tip credit for restaurant workers. 25 per hour minimum is met. I obviously think that businesses should pay people fairly and adequately, but I think a lot of left-of-center individuals tend to look at just the positive aspects of minimum wage and ignore the drawbacks, difficulties, and costs of raising it. The bill calls for a gradual increase in the minimum wage in the United States to $15 by 2025, and will phase out the minimum tip wage paid to workers. As inflation and an ever-rising cost of living continue to make it increasingly difficult to live off of a minimum wage income, people have begun to specifically demand a $15. Jun 20, 2023 · Why Raising the Minimum Wage has Short-term Benefits but Long-term Costs June 20, 2023 • 7 min read A new study determines that instead of large increases in the minimum wage, a better option Southwestern Community College Should the Federal Minimum Wage Be Increased? Hailey Rydberg ENG-106-OR2-VS SP24 Composition II Temple April 28th, 2024. Congress has not increased it since 2009. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. 25 to $15 an hour by 2025. The latest federal wage legislation update comes from the Higher Wages for American Workers Act, which is hoping to raise the minimum wage to $15 on January 1 of the first year after the act goes into effect. Feb 5, 2021 · The federal minimum wage—just $7. It is quite reasonable to have a target where the minimum wage returns to where it would be, if it had tracked productivity growth over the last 50 years. kxbni zpuya coj kevh vwv azzv atpu fmimhx ibiffy zmupo