James Letts Mrs.Murphy Writers workshop 2/17/23 Why the minimum wage should be raised The debate about raising the minimum wage continues to rage on in the United States, with no clear consensus in sight. Lawmakers have long avoided this issue, claiming that raising the minimum wage will lead to job loss and higher costs of living. However, the reality is that raising the minimum wage holds many benefits for both workers and employers, and should be a priority for lawmakers. Currently, the federal minimum wage stands at $7.25, and 21% of workers in the U.S. are making less than that. This means that those workers are struggling to make ends meet, and are unable to save for anything beyond their immediate needs. This furthers the gap of inequality …show more content…
While it is true that businesses would need to adjust to the higher wages, there are ways to ensure that prices do not skyrocket. One way to do this is to provide targeted tax incentives to businesses that pay their employees higher wages. This would encourage businesses to pay their employees more while still keeping prices low. Additionally, the government could provide targeted assistance such as job training and education programs to help workers transition into higher-paying jobs. This would ensure that workers are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in the job market and would help to reduce the income inequality gap. Raising the minimum wage would also have a positive effect on the environment. A higher minimum wage would allow workers to have more disposable income to invest in green products and practices. This would lead to businesses making more conscious decisions when it comes to their environmental impact, reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to a healthier planet. Moreover, it would also create more jobs for those in the green economy and help to promote sustainability in the long …show more content…
Currently, many workers are unable to afford the cost of basic necessities, such as housing, food, and transportation. By raising the minimum wage, these workers would have more disposable income to cover these costs, allowing them to live more comfortably. This would reduce the financial burden on those making the minimum wage, allowing them to save more and invest in their future. Additionally, raising the minimum wage would create more jobs, as businesses would need to hire more workers to keep up with the increased demand. This would lead to a decrease in unemployment, resulting in a decrease in the cost of living due to increased competition in the job market. Ultimately, raising the minimum wage would have a positive impact on the cost of living for workers, making it easier for them to afford the basic necessities and save for their