Minimum Wage
July 8th, 2007
At present there is pending in Congress a proposed increase in minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $7.20 an hour. Proponents say that when adjusted for inflation, the federal minimum wage of $5.15 an hour is at its second lowest point in the last 50 years. At this hourly wage a worker makes $10,712 a year, giving no more purchasing power than the minimum wage in the early 1950’s. and currently less than the federal poverty level of $26,123 for a family of four.
Some economists suggest that the minimum wage debate is off course. Research suggest that minimum wage increases cause employers to adjust hours, benefits, training and find other ways around the wage hike.
Is the proposed increase in minimum wage a good idea or not?
The Panelists:
Some economists suggest that the minimum wage debate is off course. Research suggest that minimum wage increases cause employers to adjust hours, benefits, training and find other ways around the wage hike.
Is the proposed increase in minimum wage a good idea or not?
The Panelists:
John P. Greenan, Executive Director, Central Dallas Community Development Corporaton
Bob McTeer, Distinguished Fellow, National Center for Policy Analysis
Robert Smith, President, Ft. Worth Acorn
Lianna Fox, Policy Analyst, Economic Policy Institute
Bob McTeer, Distinguished Fellow, National Center for Policy Analysis
Robert Smith, President, Ft. Worth Acorn
Lianna Fox, Policy Analyst, Economic Policy Institute
