Tuesday, January 14, 2014
75 economists back minimum wage hike
This article follows the attempt by Representative George Miller and Senator Tom Harkin to raise minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10. The process would take three years with minimum wage increasing $.95 each year. If the law is passed a full-time minimum wage worker would see their pay increase from $15,000 to $21,000. Many fear that the republicans won't pass the deal though, because they claim it will hurt jobs by decreasing employees hours. What do you guys think?
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I think that this plan is fantastic! Minimum wage is ridiculously low right now, and I think a lot of people forget that there are taxes taken out of every wage earned, so people who are working these long hours at minimum wage are seeing even less than minimum wage. I hope the Republicans decide to back the bill because I don't think it will hurt jobs at all.
ReplyDeleteIf I learned anything from AP Economics, it's that some people will benefit and some will suffer from almost every major economic decision. If the minimum wage is increased, employers will most likely have to fire some workers or take away certain packages. On the other hand, the minimum wage earning lifeguard inside me finds over ten dollars an hour very enticing. The most surprising thing about this article was that "Only about 1.6 million hourly workers currently earn the minimum wage". I thought the number would have been much larger. If the minimum wage was increased, this 1.6 million would drastically increase.
ReplyDeleteI think it's pretty simple. Yes, there may be changes which occur as a result and we can work to balance out any changes which come about, but we really need to have a minimum wage that is a living wage. These people are working ridiculous hours all year, and they still can't make ends meet. Since they can't make ends meet, they rely on government aid such as welfare. If the republicans want all these "lazy" americans off welfare then they need to make minimum wage a living wage!
ReplyDeleteI think that raising the minimum wage would definitely be a good idea. No person should have to live below the poverty line if they are working full time at a job trying to support themselves and their families. Like anything, the plan is not perfect for everyone, but overall it looks like this bill would help many Americans if it is passed.
ReplyDeleteI agree with my classmates that raising the minimum wage would be a good decision for many American's. With that being said, Ian makes a very valid point that some employers may have to fire employees to be able to afford the wage increase. I hope that minimum wage gets increased for the millions of Americans who can't afford the basic necessities for their families on the current minimum wage.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with everyone that increasing the minimum wage would be an overall good idea. Even though the 1.6 million workers currently earning the minimum wage seems lower than one would think, the fact that this legislation "could put a family of three above the poverty line" makes it seem worth it. Anna also brings up a good point that this seems like it would benefit everyone, because if the minimum wage were higher, people would be able to live more off of what they earn.
ReplyDelete“Some studies show a negative effect on jobs. But others show a positive effect or no effect at all.” Okay this line is kind of funny—so basically we cannot predict the results of the plan. Well I'm not really sure either; the plan sounds logical, but the critics' predictions about reduced employment or hours could also very well be true. You guys all seem pretty sure that it will work, so I guess I'm leaning more towards that it will work (mostly because I have no spine.) What will really be interesting is how the Republicans present their counterargument for this in the coming elections.
ReplyDeleteI think that it would great if congress would pass a bill to raise the minimum wage, but I don't think that this will be happening anytime soon. Minimum wage workers would see there pay increase by 6,000 dollars each year if the minimum wage were raised to $10.10 an hour. This money would provide much opportunity for struggling families who depend on this income to make ends meet.
ReplyDeleteThis plan is a great idea. The minimum wage is extremely low and basically impossible to make a living off of. I hope Republicans back this plan because tons of Americans could benefit from this increase. As Katie said, no plan is perfect for all people, but I believe this bill would help the Americans who need it most.
ReplyDeleteEvery move that the government makes has it's pros and cons. In this case, full time workers making minimum wage would benefit from this decision. They would finally be above the poverty line. I think that the lower class deserves that much and that the federal government should move forward with this bill.
ReplyDeleteGenerally, I agree with most of the comments previously posted. Like josh and Annamarie said there will be pros and cons to most government action. This proposition would put family's of three above the poverty line which is an incredible feat.
ReplyDeleteOverall, raising the minimum wage I think will help the many people who work full time to support their families. Yes, there will have to be cuts but I think in the long run it can help those families rise above the poverty line. And this may also lower the unemployment percentage in our country. With a higher minimum wage, some unemployed people might become more open to taking a job at McDonalds.
ReplyDeleteRaising the minimum wage is a step in the right direction. But I think increasing benefits of employees would be more beneficiary. A family of 3 might need improved benefits more than money but situations vary. That's why no economic decision can be perfect.
ReplyDeleteI think raising the minimum wage would be a good thing for some but it would also be not so good for others. Some people would be ecstatic to receive a pay raise, but one the other hand, others may not be too thrilled to come in and know that their services are no longer needed. I guess it all depends on who you are. As for me, I wouldn't mind a hike in the minimum wage because I wouldn't mind more money at my job!
ReplyDeleteRaising the minimum wage would be the right decision. Sure there will be job cuts as Ian said, but the people who are cut from the job are most likely being cut because they are the "weakest link". Like Sam said, with a higher minimum wage people may be more willing to work at places like McDonalds. I feel like the pros out way the cons in this situation.
ReplyDeleteIf you have minimum skills, minimum education, minimum determination, and put forth minimum effort, you don't deserve a pay raise. That right is reserved for those who have demonstrated their commitment to excelling in the workplace. If you are dissastisfied with your current paygrade, you work harder to make more money on your own, simple capitalism.
ReplyDeleteI think that the minimum wage hike would be beneficial, based on the word of the 75 economists. Government has a tendency to get involved with things despite a complete lack of knowledge on the subject matter. Although I think that the matter needs more consideration and thought, i would feel much more comfortable with the change is the economists' calculations support it. After all, men lie, women lie, numbers don't.
ReplyDeleteI do feel a raise in minimum wage would be a good thing, but, like most decisions, I feel it all depends on the situation. In some situations I would agree with Max, that people need to put in the hard work and try to excel economically on their own. At the same time I feel it's not quite as simple as work harder and you'll do it. According to the article, a raise in minimum wage would put family's of three above the poverty line. This would be a huge step. Essentially, the pros outweigh the cons in this particular case.
ReplyDeleteI can see both sides of this argument. Employers would be forced to fire some workers to account for the wage increase. This would decrease jobs which is definitely not what the government wants. However, I think it is very important to increase the minimum wage. There are people out there working hard and barely earning enough to support their families. Heck, I can't imagine trying to support an entire family on $7.25 an hour.
ReplyDeleteWell I really like that economists are supporting this too, as well as I guess people who want to just stand up for the "little guy." I think higher minimum wages are a really good way to narrow the wealth gap without any drastic redistribution or anything. Obviously what it is now is way too low anyway.
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