In recent decades we have witnessed a significant income gap, between the so-called, the haves and the have-nots, in this nation! While executives and CEOs always earned significantly more than employees, which is understandable, the margin/gap increased more than three times (from about 20 times to more than 60 times). There are regular discussions in Congress about whether or not the minimum wage should be increased, and if so, by how much! After the last few years, where we have seen a widening gap, with the election of a new president and a change of party, in terms of control of both chambers, of Congress, once again this debate is happening. ! Since the minimum has not increased in more than a decade, it obviously no longer creates the protections intended for those, the majority, in need. With that in mind, this article will attempt, briefly, to consider, examine, review, and discuss, 5 considerations, in terms of evaluating, where this nation should go and why.

1. Can companies afford it? Opponents of increasing this, or the amount of the increase, often claim that businesses cannot afford this additional cost. Yet one of America’s most successful corporations, CostcoFor years, he has paid this amount and more, and simply put, the new minimum would now start at $16 per hour. In fact, recently, when the CEO of costco, testified, in front of the Senate, questioned one of the senators, Lindsey Graham, and wondered why that individual was so opposed to it. How much of an impact it would make, the bottom line, is an interesting question because while it could increase salary costs, it could also help keep employees and reduce hiring costs.

two. Will you cut/reduce certain jobs?: In some industries, raising wages could drive them down, at the low end, and replace them with automation, etc. However, that seems to be the trend, anyway! A caring nation and group of leaders would seek to create better, better paying jobs!

3. $7.25 minimum wage, hasn’t gone up in years: The last time the minimum wage was increased was on July 24, 2009 and, in terms of inflation, the income considered has certainly not been maintained! In fact, in the amount, in about two-thirds, of all states, people couldn’t pay, average rents, etc.

Four. Widening of the income gap: The combination of the impacts of the 2017 tax reform legislation, where the wealthiest were the biggest beneficiaries, and the lack of significant general salary increases, to contribute, for the most part, to the widening income gap.

5. What do the numbers mean?: 40 hours, per week, at $7.25 per hour, equals $290 per week, or $15,080 per year! Given that, according to experts, we should only be paying, about a quarter to a third of our salary, on housing, it would amount to only $315 to $415 per month. Shouldn’t someone, working full time, at least be able to afford, reside and pay rent?

Is it politics, or politics and greed, that lead certain politicians to oppose a raise or suggest a smaller one? More than half of the states have minimum wages higher than the national!