Matt Davies Cartoon with comment by Fionna Boomer
Are American workers in need of a raise? Last week, students across the country debated about whether or not the minimum wage should be increased in our #DoNowWages post. We asked students What is an appropriate minimum wage for where you live? In other words, what is the basic amount of pay per hour that a worker in your city would need to earn in order to make ends meet?
The federal government set the minimum wage at $7.25. Yet, many wonder if $7.25 is sufficient enough for people to live in America’s current economy. While Washington has been arguing about raising the federal minimum wage, 21 states have raised their minimum wages above the federal rate of $7.25. The central concern that keeps politicians debating in Washington is how the change will impact the economy. Supporters dispute that raising it will lift 900,000 people out of poverty, while opponents believe the increase will lead to 500,000 unemployed workers.
Throughout the week, students discussed the risks and benefits of raising the minimum wage. Several students explored the topic more in depth by pointing to news articles, while others created infographics to support their position. Overall, students believed that the minimum wage should be raised, depending on how much it costs to live in each city.
Raise it!
Students argued that wages should increase so families can support themselves.
@KQEDedspace #nwpsm14 We need to raise minimum wage to help people get over the poverty line #DoNowWages pic.twitter.com/79K0aI5IEq
— Ryan Rodriguez (@rrodriguez0233) March 28, 2014
@KQEDedspace Minimum wage needs to be something people can live off of,not surviving at the bare minimum. Needs to be raised. #DoNowWages
— Marissa Azucena (@marissa_azucena) March 26, 2014
I feel minimum wage should be raised. Everything is starting to cost more & when u make more u spend more (help economy)#stepp8 #donowwages
— Brianna Rose (@B_RoseB4Hoes) March 24, 2014
But How Much?
Many proposed how much wages should be increased.
Minimum wage should be raised to $15 so people are able to support their families @KQEDedspace #donowwages #ssicpb
— Michael johnson (@kingmike22) March 28, 2014
@kqededspace #donowwages I think that the minimum wage should be raised, but by a slow gradual process not a dramatic 3$ increase.
— hayden santistevan (@hay7san) March 28, 2014
@kqededspace @bennettteach #donowwages I feel like the minimum wage should be $10.50. That should be enough to support a small family.
— ♎ Courtney ♎ (@KourtKnee_) March 26, 2014
Don’t Change it
Other students argued that the minimum wage is fine as it is.
@KQEDedspace min wage should not be increased, it can drive small companies out of business and cause higher prices #7JAPES #DoNowWages
— Brooke (@bbagot15) March 28, 2014
@KQEDedspace @BennettTeach i think minimum wage is fair at 7.25 because if raised it will lead to inflation and job loss #DoNowWages
— S. 24 (@ShayyOwen) March 26, 2014
What Will Happen?
Some questioned how the raise would impact the economy.
@KQEDedspace If min. wage goes up the price of goods goes up OR the amount of jobs goes down #DoNowWages #nwpsm14 pic.twitter.com/zTjlj0bQ0u
— Johanna Skarbek (@Johanna_NTH) March 28, 2014
@KQEDedspace #donowwages We still don't know enough about the effects the minimum wage will have on our economy, it's still unpredictable.
— Daniel Barlow (@da7nmaster) March 28, 2014
Get Better Jobs
Others talked about how minimum wage jobs are not meant to be careers.
@KQEDedspace Few skills are required for minimum wage work and such jobs are not meant to support a family #msg415 #DoNowWages
— Emily W (@emily_w_14) March 27, 2014
@KQEDedspace #dutillapgov #donowwages I think people should strive to get better jobs to support their families, not McDonald's
— Secret Garner (@SecretGarner) March 24, 2014
Let the Cities Decide
Students also argued that each city should make their own minimum wage based on living costs.
@iteachhistory1 #donowwages #Stepp1 Minimum wages should be set based on where you live. $10.10 is enough in some places, but not others.
— Courtney Martin (@courtney6071) March 24, 2014
@KQEDedspace Min wage should be based on the cost of living in an area, not simply a blanket number for every person. #3JAPES #DoNowWages
— Meghna Madhavan (@mmadhavan15) March 28, 2014
What About Your City?
Students also discussed what the minimum wage should be in their own cities.
@KQEDEdspace minimum wage in the Frankfort, Kentucky should be $9.00. You can not do much with making $7.25 a hour. #DoNowWages
— Christopher Armani (@ChrisArmani__) March 26, 2014
@KQEDedspace I work in SF and make 11/hr. To get to work I need to take Caltrain which is 3. Idk if it's worth it. #DoNowWages
— Chloe de Guzman (@xchloedeguzmanx) March 27, 2014
Check out the amazing infographs students from Texas created in response to this week’s topic.
@KQEDedspace I've made this info graphic about wages. #boydbence #DoNowWages pic.twitter.com/BXVUQLxlpk
— David Nguyen (@ShanaynayVon) March 28, 2014
@KQEDedspace its hard enough to make ends meet as it is, i say we raise minimum wage! #donowwages #nwpsm14 pic.twitter.com/Tg1sox375Y
— Emily Petty (@eppetty) March 28, 2014
