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Legal Issues in Compensation

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Legal Issues in Compensation
Module 2 Written Assignment
Claire G. Wood
Empire State College
Fall 2013

1. Explain in your own words the difference and importance between minimum wage and "living wage". Are there any states where the minimum wage equals or exceeds the living wage for that area? A minimum wage was instituted by our government to ensure that an individual can earn at least enough of an hourly wage to support himself or herself and pay for the basic necessities of life. However, the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour is insufficient when compared to what an individual requires for a living wage in all areas of our country. Please see below:
Are there States where the Minimum Wage Equals or exceeds the living wage for that area?|
State|Yes/No|State Minimum Wage|Living Wage 2 Adults + 2 children|Difference|
Alabama|No| $7.25 | $18.04 | $(10.79)|
Alaska|No| $7.75 | $19.32 | $(11.57)|
Arizona|No| $7.25 | $19.33 | $(12.08)|
Arkansas|No| $7.25 | $17.44 | $(10.19)|
California|No | $8.00 | $22.00 | $(14.00)|
Colorado|No| $7.25 | $19.29 | $(12.04)|
Connecticut|No| $8.25 | $21.47 | $(13.22)|
Delaware|No| $7.25 | $20.85 | $(13.60)|
District of Columbia|No| $8.25 | $24.92 | $(16.67)|
Florida|No| $7.25 | $20.54 | $(13.29)|
Georgia|No| $7.25 | $18.55 | $(11.30)|
Hawaii|No| $7.25 | $24.10 | $(16.85)|
Idaho|No| $7.25 | $17.74 | $(10.49)|
Illinois|No| $8.00 | $19.44 | $(11.44)|
Indiana|No| $7.25 | $17.91 | $(10.66)|
Iowa|No| $7.25 | $18.39 | $(11.14)|
Kansas|No| $7.25 | $18.21 | $(10.96)|
Kentucky|No| $7.25 | $17.18 | $(9.93)|
Louisiana|No| $7.25 | $18.99 | $(11.74)|
Maine|No| $7.50 | $19.32 | $(11.82)|
Maryland|No| $7.25 | $22.41 | $(15.16)|
Massachusetts|No| $8.00 | $21.31 | $(13.31)|
Michigan|No| $7.40 | $18.03 | $(10.63)|
Minnesota|No| $7.25 | $19.28 | $(12.03)|
Mississippi|No|

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