The current minimum federal wage is currently a hot topic for debate. Some advocate for a major increase in
the current federal minimum, some advocate for making no change, and a few advocate for eliminating the
federal minimum wage entirely. What is your position on this issue? Remembering that any municipality,
township, city, county, or state can legislate a minimum wage of its own in excess of the federal minimum, but
not below, is the local approach the best, or are there problems with this approach? Should there exist differing
and lower minimum wages for persons in service jobs that customarily receive tips?
Current minimum federal wage
The real value of the federal minimum wage has declined 24 percent since 1968. Today, the federal minimum wage of $7.25 leaves an adult with two children thousands of dollars below the federal poverty threshold. This is unacceptable. Many states also have minimum wage laws. In cases where an employee is subject to both the state and federal minimum wage laws, the employee is entitled to the higher of the two minimum wages. Raising the federal minimum wage will also stimulate consumer spending, help businesses` bottom lines, and grow the economy. A modest increase would improve worker productivity, and reduce employee turnover and absenteeism. It would also boost the overall economy by generating increased consumer demand.