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Raising the minimum wage can have a powerful effect in eliminating the idea of a "working poor" if it is paired with other sensible measures. To those naysayers who claim that a higher minimum wage hurts the economy I would say look to history, that shows that any increase in the minimum wage has been absorbed by the economy without ANY negative side affects. I would also say look to Denmark, which has one of the world's highest minimum wages, strongest economy and a very flexible labor market. A high minimum wage and powerful economy can coexist, and a high minimum wage is essential to helping the poorest in society.

Not everyone can afford to go to college. Some, due to circumstances of their upbringing, don't even finish high school. Yet these people still perform services and functions that allow our economy, and our society at large to function. Go to a restaraunt and look at the plate sitting on your table. It was cleaned by someone making minimum wage. Your grocery store is stocked by someone making minimum wage or just higher. The food on your dinner table was harvested and processed by people making minimum wage. Looking out for their best interests, in the end, furthers you own, unless you truly believe that you can survive without the people working minimum wage.

The problem with the minimum wage of course, is that you cannot live on a single job, working 40 hours a week at minimum wage. Most people work two jobs. This creates many problems within thier family and leads to serious physical and mental health problems for those who do it. Considering how many parts of society function off minimum wage workers, treating them as a disposal work source is not wise. It is also grossly calous. These people work hard, for a very small amount so that those who make a great deal more can live comfortably. Does it not make sense that they too are entitled to just compensation for their efforts.

Even more though, adding to the minimum wage allows people who are poor to become more wealthy. As people increase their wealth, they also increase their spending. Increased spending strengthens the economy, creating more jobs and more wealth. By allowing the poorest in the nation to become slightly richer, the economy as a whole is strengthened. Consider for a moment which would better help the economy, 1 CEO making another 5 million dollars, or every minimum wage worker in his company making another 1 dollar an hour. Consider how much of that extra minimum wage money would go back into the economy and you can see why raising the minimum wage isn't just good social policy, it's good fiscal policy too.

Learn more about this author, Bryan Jennings.
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