The minimum wage was designed to be a living wage so that a person working full time could at least afford the bare minimum to live: food, clothing, and shelter. Established in 2009, the current federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. Some states are on track to gradually increase to $15 per hour while some states have no minimum wage. Yet, $15 per hour still falls short of a living wage in every state in America.
QUICK FACTS
1- Increasing the minimum wage to a living wage is key to reducing income inequality and poverty, raising living standards, and to sustaining economic growth.
2- The minimum wage was enacted in order to protect workers and the economy by establishing a living wage. While not everyone agrees with a federal minimum wage, or a $15/hr increase, studies show that the benefits of a living wage still exist today. (continue reading)