Minimum Wage
1. Describe in general the issue that is being debated
Minimum wage is the lowest payment, set by the government, that employers legally have to
pay to workers. While minimum wage laws are already set, differences of belief exist about the
advantages and disadvantages of a minimum wage. Supporters of the minimum wage argue that
it increases the standard of living of workers, reduces poverty, reduces inequality, boosts
confidence and forces businesses to be more well-organized. On the other hand, opponents of the
minimum wage say the opposite, they argue that it increases poverty, increases unemployment
and is harmful to businesses. This topic has created a heated discussion amongst the people of
America and is a current issue several governors are trying to pursue to fix.
2. Read two or more perspectives on this argument from both sides (support minimum wage
increase, oppose minimum wage increase) and describe the authors perspectives on
raising the minimum wage to reduce poverty and inequality.
In the article “Can Raising the Minimum Wage Reduce Poverty and Hardship?” explains that
if the government were to raise the minimum wage, it will not effect the people they intend for
because those people are unemployed and will not benefit. Instead, raising the wage can have the
“unintended consequence of reducing demand for the least-skilled employees.” Whereas the
article “The Impact of a $9.80 Federal Minimum Wage” agrees with the other article, it also
includes the expected unemployment and job losses that comes with the raising of the minimum
wage. Disagreeing with what these both articles say, “2 Parties Place Political Focus on
