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Among the hot topics in Washington, increasing the federal minimum wage is seen as both a necessary measure, or the single largest cut to small business of this era. Politicians debate but a general consensus by renowned economists are clear: Increasing the federal minimum wage to $10.10 would be beneficial to the economy, especially in the lower and middle classes. The individuals making wage are not overwhelmingly teenagers. A majority of the people making under $10.10 are women, average aged 35 and support more than one person (“Minimum Wage, Who Makes It?”). Because of these slanted figures compared to non-minimum wage jobs, increasing the federal minimum wage to $10.10 has the capability of bringing up the salary of 28 million Americans, …show more content…
The typical economist’s argument, as well as the argument of a letter signed by over 600 economists, is that the unemployment predicted will not suddenly happen ("Over 600 Economists Sign Letter In Support of $10.10 Minimum Wage: Economist Statement on the Federal Minimum Wage"). In fact, businesses would have no other option than to pay their employees more, because decreasing workforce would also decrease their profits, in order to maintain a high profitability.
For instance, Canada has been a prime example and test trial on the effects of increasing the minimum wage. All of Canada’s 10 provinces have minimum wages above $10 (Covert). Supposing that increasing the minimum wage would actually kill jobs, it would be suspected that job loss would also be recorded in Canada. Instead, the Canadian Centre for Alternative Policy concluded that there appears to be no correlation between increasing the minimum wage and job decline (Covert). There has been no job decline in Canada …show more content…
Both large and small business could agree that increasing the minimum wage would “attract and attain great talent” in their application pool (“10 Reasons to Raise the Minimum Wage (with Charts.”)). Over 60% of small businesses show favor in a minimum wage increase (“10 Reasons to Raise the Minimum Wage (with Charts.”)). Four examples of large businesses with minimum wages greater than the current federal one are Costco, GAP, In-n-Out, and QuickTrip (“10 Reasons to Raise the Minimum Wage (with Charts.”)). Each of these businesses generate over $300 million in profit each year, and their businesses continue to grow, even while paying more for each employee. (“10 Reasons to Raise the Minimum Wage (with Charts.”)). A survey from June of 2014 finds that a majority of small businesses favor increasing the wage (“10 Reasons to Raise the Minimum Wage (with Charts.”)). Minimum wage would increase consumer purchasing power, overall benefit the economy, and help small businesses by creating lower employee turnover. Lower employee turnover means increased productivity and customer satisfaction. (“Minimum Wage

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