First Person: Is the Minimum Wage Increase a Good Thing?

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COMMENTARY | My teenage son jut got a pay raise for the New Year, thanks to a minimum wage rate increase in Florida.

According to CNNMoney, eight states are adjusting their minimum wage rates to keep pace with inflation. Florida joins Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Ohio, Washington, Montana and Vermont in raising minimum wage between 28 to 37 cents an hour.

Federal minimum wage is $7.25.

Although it may seem like a small boost in pay, the increase could put an extra $500 a year in my hardworking son’s pocket. That translates into the college textbooks books he needs to buy for the year.

I am a firm believer in teens getting minimum-wage jobs or completing internships that may lead to a “real job.” I believe it’s that minimum wage job that motivates most people to finish college or start their own businesses.

Some people depend on minimum wage jobs in order to survive. They don’t have mom or dad paying their car insurance, rent or grocery bills.

Economists say the increase in minimum wage will boost the economy as consumers have more money to spend.

On the downside, the money for increasing minimum wage has to come from somewhere. Some critics argue that the increase in minimum wage will lead to higher prices.

Business owners either raise prices on products or hire fewer people. In the end, customers may have to deal with poor customer service and overworked employees.

Senior citizens benefit least unless they are earning minimum-wage themselves. Statistically, senior citizens typically lose out to young adults seeking the minimum-wage jobs. It’s more likely retired people will have to deal with even higher prices.

Minimum-wage jobs, unfortunately, were not really meant for the middle-aged person with a family to support or elderly on a fixed income. They are better suited for the teenager living at home with fewer expenses.

Sadly, it’s not just the teens relying on the minimum wage jobs anymore.


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