As the year comes to a close, the Democratic Party is hoping to shift gears and focus on the issue of minimum wage while the battle over healthcare continues. Democrats hope to raise the federal minimum wage (currently $7.25-per-hour) as well as place minimum wage raising proposals on state ballots in competitive states in time for the 2014 elections. Polls have indicated support for raising the minimum wage to $9-per-hour and Democrats are hoping to capitalize on this support and force the Republicans into position against "fairness." Here is a Gallup poll published about a month ago, indicating the increased support for raising the minimum wage:
 |
| Source |
Republicans have asserted that raising the minimum wage hurts small businesses, and small businesses seem to agree. This Gallup was published at the end of November and asked small businesses whether raising the minimum wage would hurt and help small businesses:
 |
| Source |
3 comments:
Honestly I don't think minimum wage is going to be viewed as a major issue going into 2014, especially considering all of the topics that are currently on the table. With pressing issues like government surveillance and gay rights fresh in people's minds, and with the media so focused on those matters, minimum wage doesn't seem likely to get much of the limelight. The Democrats are smart to take up this issue though; they get to look good for fighting for the welfare of the working class while making Republicans look like the bad guys. Who wins this fight? I think the Democrats will get their way; the higher minimum wage trend has too much momentum for the Republicans to stop. Even though I agree with Boehner's point on small business, that is an argument that most people will disregard because small business has the word "business" involved. When it comes to workers' rights vs business' rights (even small mom & pop shops), people tend gravitate towards the former's viewpoint.
Like Quinn said, the rise of minimum wage will continue through 2014 for sure. We can already see the surge in support for the raise during 2013, and states are finally taking action. Although the poll shows that a majority of business owners are against the raise in minimum wage, it's highly unlikely that they will beat the public when they have a supermajority for the raise. It's also important to note that many cities have proposed to increase their minimum wage. As the states take action, various cities are too. For example, San Francisco and San Jose are increasing their minimum wage starting this year. The clear trend of increasing minimum wage will probably make this issue a much less important issue during 2014.
Well, I think it's most likely a good thing that we are looking at some strong support for an increase in minimum wage. It doesn't make sense for minimum wage to not keep up with prices, costs of living, etc.
But I think the real flaw in thinking that comes up with minimum wage is people thinking that it only applies to teenagers with part time jobs. I thought the point of minimum wage is that it was the bare minimum that a family can live off of. Currently, I really doubt it meets that criteria.
We haven't studied economics yet, so I can't say for sure what the effect on the economy, or on businesses would be. But with support for an increased minimum wage already in the 70%-ish range, I think it's likely that increased wages will come to pass.
Post a Comment