Should The Minimum Wage Be Increased

There is much debate on whether or not the minimum wage should be increased. The benefits of gradually raising the minimum wage would outweigh the detriments because it will benefit everyone: the poor, middle class, and even the wealthy. At the rate that the minimum wage has been increasing, it has not kept up with inflation, which has led to the middle class deteriorating. People working 40 plus hours deserve a fair living wage but with minimum wage currently at $10, that makes it nearly impossible. If the minimum wage raises it will encourage more people to work harder, make college more affordable, and it will take people out of poverty. It is easy to go against raising the minimum wage, because many people do not believe it will benefit

Lets take Costco as an example. In the book, "The Fight for 15 the Right Wage for a Working America", David states that "Costco's starting wage is $11.50 an hour and the average wage is nearly $21 an hour, [whereas], Walmart's entry-level staff wage is $10 an hour and has an average wage of less than $13 for nonsupervisory staff." (Rolf 227) The result of the wage difference makes a drastic change in the work performance of the employee and the company's image. As stated in the book, "Employees at Costco are not only happier where they work, but they boost customer satisfaction and financial performance. Employees are less likely to call out of work and are more likely to be more productive because they are satisfied with their job."(Rolf 227) Although Costco pays their employees a significantly higher wage, their business is still very successful because of their reputation, friendly employees, and low prices. Once the minimum wage is raised, employees and employers will not be the only people benefiting from

People need to prosper and be lifted out of poverty. There is too much poverty in this world. It should not matter what type of work someone is working, work is work and money is money. Everyone; from women, Latinos, and young adults deserve to get ahead in life and make their American dream come true. With a $15 minimum wage that can all be possible. Not only will low income employees benefit from a higher wage; but also business owners, students, entrepreneurs, tax payers, and even people that are already rich can benefit from