The U.S. House of Representatives voted on a symbolic bill last week to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 per hour by 2025. It was symbolic because it was clear from the beginning that the bill would not be heard in the Senate.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted on a symbolic bill last week to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 per hour by 2025. It was symbolic because it was clear from the beginning that the bill would not be heard in the Senate.
Proponents claimed it would lift millions out of poverty. Opponents claimed that it would cause American business owners to layoff workers. The truth is where it usually is, somewhere in the middle. With the Fourth of July behind us and the 2020 General Election 469 days out, you would think we could set aside political grandstanding and work towards a common goal.
But perhaps that is too much. Democrats are afraid if they achieve anything less than $15 it will look like they failed. Republicans are afraid if they propose an alternative amount it will look like they caved. The American people deserve better. Minimum wage does need to rise but $15 an hour is not a reasonable solution - historically, economically or in practical terms. If Congress truly wished to help the 2.3% (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics) of all wage earners who depend on minimum wage they would adopt the $10.10 solution that was proposed in 2013.
They would also cease efforts to tie it to an index. Are they really going to be ok with a minimum wage that fluctuates? What if the economy entered a downturn? Would minimum wage decrease? I urge you to make your voice heard. If you believe minimum wage needs to be raised, then it is time to put an end to the grandstanding and demand that Congress pass a meaningful solution that has at least a shred of hope in the Senate.