Minimum Wage Argument Essay

A question that has been debated vastly between opposing parties, groups, and even individuals is, should the federal minimum wage be increased? Ever since July, 2009, the federal minimum wage for the United states has been $7.25 per hour, this being the number that has caused much controversy. By definition minimum wage is the smallest amount of money that must be paid to an employee by an employer, regardless of previous qualification. This value has caused so much controversy because many believe it is not enough money to survive on while others argue it is plenty. Although many would argue that there is no benefit to raise minimum wage, it is actually very constructive and would help the United States prosper. The increase to minimum

One of the main reasons is that if the the minimum wage is increased, employers will have no reason to keep employees. As stated, “ Suppose we increased the minimum wage to $300 per hour. Do you really think that most of us would keep our jobs? Of course not-there would be no incentive for employers to retain us” (Source B). A key component in this argument is that if minimum wage was increased, employers would automate many jobs that workers have. This seems unrealistic however because the technology required for some jobs to be made automated has not been invented and/or is very costly. Also people are not attempting to get the minimum wage up to $300 per hour, this number is very exaggerated and inaccurate. Workers are attempting to raise the minimum wage a few dollars in order to support families as well as themselves, and are benefiting the economy while doing it. Another argument by the opposition is that “the only way to increase the income of the poor is to make them more productive” (Source B). This statement is accurate in the sense that poor people have to be productive to succeed financially. However, when the amount of money economically disadvantaged people receive at their jobs is not enough to live on, there is a large problem. Even if a poor person works hard at their job and works full-time, they still will not receive enough money to be well off. This then perpetuates the cycle of them being poor because working hard and being lazy have the same