Would the government ultimately save money, have a stronger economy, less dependency, by raising the minimum wage to a living wage ($15/hr)?

Question

The problem is, many of these workers are not being paid a living wage, which means they're eligible for welfare. Nobody working a full-time job should be eligible for welfare, whether it be cash, or food stamps. The corporations, which threaten to fire people, if the minimum wage is raised, are making wrath of God money, and the truth is, they're already hiring as little people as possible. Do you honestly think the corporation, no matter how big, just hires extras? No money is enough money.

McDonald's or Wal-Mart isn't going to degrade or undermine their service by under-staffing and pissing off their customers. Small businesses, yes, they're going to be harder hit, but really, earning $7.25 an hour for labor, in a developed country, if you're not an illegal, is an insult. Even if you're a kid, heck, your time isn't worth less because you're young, you could be out with friends, having fun for free. I mean, $7.25 an hour? These large businesses and corporations are encourage their employees to go on welfare.

I mean, come on, why can't Republicans catch their bluff?

No More Democrats or GOP, please · Accepted Answer

The problem is that the "living wage" will be a short-lived phenomenon.

Not only will those receiving the current minimum wage have their wages increased, but all the other workers at a given company will also have their wages increased.

That will cause an increase in the cost of doing business for the company.  Which will, in turn, have to raise their prices to offset the increased costs.  That will spread across the economy resulting in an increase in the general cost of living.

As the cost of living goes up, so will the concept of a living wage increase rise proportionately.  Those making minimum wage will find themselves once again struggling.

If those people making minimum wage want to increase their income levels, they should take the necessary steps to make themselves qualified for higher wage jobs, e.g., get training/education.

regerugged · Answer

Another case of economic ignorance.  Trying to force employers to operate with artificial rules is a problem caused by government, not solution.  Only in the mind of a confused liberal is there such a concept as a "living wage."  An employee should be paid what he is worth to the employer.  Get to know some people who work for McDonalds and Walmart.  Before long, you will be thinking they are overpaid for what they do.

Anonymous · Answer

And they will have to offset the additional labor costs by cutting hours laying people off and raising prices. So $15 an hour becomes the same as they are making now in terms of buying power

? · Answer

Yes. It will lessen people who depend on welfare.

In relation to the minimum wage issue, here's an interesting report: http://bitly.com/1n4lqIa .

Rise of Iron · Answer

Not at all.  But if we reduced the cost of living for them, they would all be paid a living wage, and there would be more people employed, and the economy would get better.

? · Answer

Funny how people asking this question daily don't ever consider the idea of changing eligibility requirements for free sh!t from the government.

? · Answer

it isn't going to matter.......automation is going to put most all of the fast food workers out on the street.......then what are they going to do.......minimum wage, living wage isn't going to matter.....they will have put them self with NO WAGE

Anonymous · Answer

Not in this economy where everything is going up. WE NEED MORE PEOPLE WORKING>

Anonymous · Answer

yes

Yeah, butt · Answer

No.

Trending News

Would the government ultimately save money, have a stronger economy, less dependency, by raising the minimum wage to a living wage ($15/hr)?

10 Answers