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For those living in a metropolitan city, $7.25 may feel like a small snack and a drink at best, but for many Americans, this is the reality of the federal minimum hourly wage.

The amount has been exactly the same since 2009, so no wonder that boosting it to $15/h became one of the Biden administration’s priorities. "No one should work 40 hours a week and live in poverty," he announced previously.

But right now, Biden is facing resistance in Congress as he acknowledged that the proposal will likely have to be omitted from the $1.9 trillion coronavirus financial relief plan. And while raising the wage would reduce the number of people in poverty and increase the pay for 27M workers, it will likely increase the federal budget deficit.

Many Americans are feeling cheerful about the prospect, but some are less than impressed. Armed with somewhat questionable arguments, the critics took it to Twitter to share why they don’t want the long-awaited increase of average minimum pay to happen.

#1

Dumb-Reasons-Against-Minimum-Wage-Increase

GoodPoliticGuy Report

Hans
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The sad thing is that she defends that it is is fine to live of peoples' backs for a slightly lower price. The same rationale exploits Bangladeshi women who make cheap apparel or mean from Ghana who scavenge Western electronic garbage.

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    #2

    Dumb-Reasons-Against-Minimum-Wage-Increase

    heartlessninja6 Report

    A.M. Pierre
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait, so you mean if someone works every waking minute then that should give them enough money to afford the basic necessities of life? That’s insanity!! /s 🙄

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    The federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour and it has stayed the same since 2009, making it an unlivable income in most parts of the US. In late January, Democrats introduced the Raise the Wage Act of 2021, which would gradually increase the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 by 2025.

    But the White House acquiesced to a Senate parliamentarian's ruling that a minimum wage increase to $15 an hour could not be included in the Covid-19 relief bill working through Congress. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden, on whom 27M workers rely right now, promised to not give up and try again.

    Vermont also Sen. Bernie Sanders stated on Friday: “If anybody thinks that we're giving up on this issue, they are sorely mistaken," and added: "If we have to vote on it time and time again, we will and we're going to succeed. The American people understand that we cannot continue to have millions of people working for starvation wages."

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    #3

    Dumb-Reasons-Against-Minimum-Wage-Increase

    rudegyalzeee Report

    Ripley
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm really struggling with how packing boxes is more "skilled" labour than working as a fry cook.

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    #4

    Dumb-Reasons-Against-Minimum-Wage-Increase

    reddit.com Report

    Grumble O'Pug
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jordan just showed her “I’m stupid” badge

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    Traditionally, the divide in Washington has been seen between labor and its Democratic allies, and business and its Republican allies. However, according to NBCNews, this time, the minimum wage fight is now “divided into three camps, none of which neatly conform to expected ideological or business groupings: There are those who support a full $15 minimum wage, those opposed to raising the wage at all and a large group in the middle open to raising the minimum to, say, $10 an hour but not all the way to $15.”

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    #9

    Dumb-Reasons-Against-Minimum-Wage-Increase

    lesbianrey Report

    Grumble O'Pug
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah people think it has the same buying oower

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    Meanwhile, various polls have been showing that a majority of Americans support raising the minimum wage. And while others are waiting for a nationwide decision, a number of cities and states have already lifted the floors of their own wage to $15.

    Seven states (Alaska, Florida, Minnesota, Montana, Ohio, South Dakota, and Vermont) automatically increased their rates based on the cost of living and 14 states (Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Washington) increased their rates due to previously approved legislation or ballot initiatives.

    #10

    Dumb-Reasons-Against-Minimum-Wage-Increase

    Zraxid Report

    Ripley
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    $100,000 at $15/hr is 128 hours a week, or 18 hours a day - assuming in both cases that you work for 365 days without a break.

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    #12

    Dumb-Reasons-Against-Minimum-Wage-Increase

    Shychology__ Report

    Hans
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    May we suggest to desi that she should be paid minimum wage until she reads the first chapter of a basic textbook on economics?

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    #13

    Dumb-Reasons-Against-Minimum-Wage-Increase

    tailgunnerart Report

    Grumble O'Pug
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Value is created when people stop being complicit with those who exploit.

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    #14

    Dumb-Reasons-Against-Minimum-Wage-Increase

    TheTinkenberg Report

    troufaki13
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm pretty sure the Colorado girl is high on something!

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    Moreover, Florida voters approved Amendment 2, raising the state minimum wage to $15.00 per hour by 2026. The amendment raises the minimum wage to $10.00 per hour effective September 2021, with a continuing annual increase until reaching $15.00 per hour.

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    #16

    Dumb-Reasons-Against-Minimum-Wage-Increase

    reddit.com Report

    Hans
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone did not understand the invisible hand. There is no working supply and demand as long as the market is imperfect, which it is due to the asymetry of information and power. If you use clever terms, be sure that you actually grasp them!

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    #17

    Dumb-Reasons-Against-Minimum-Wage-Increase

    reddit.com Report

    xHinatax
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because those folks working those minimum wage type jobs need to work because they’ll get fired for not coming in. They’re not there because they want to be there; they need to survive and get that pay check.

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    #18

    Dumb-Reasons-Against-Minimum-Wage-Increase

    reddit.com Report

    Grumble O'Pug
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s funny how so many toss teens under the bus with labor, but do the math: college is extremely expensive and to pay tuition at the uni I work at you need 83 hours a week all summer. In 1980 you could pay tuition in 20 hours a week all summer. Many Americans are cobbling together a life on 2-4 of these jobs that for some reason were vital during the pandemic, but not valuable enough to pay adequately.

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    #19

    Dumb-Reasons-Against-Minimum-Wage-Increase

    reddit.com Report

    Katherine Heasley
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not to mention, this goes in circles. "Go to college and get a better job!" "But I can't afford college." "So get a loan!" "I can't afford to pay my loan." "So don't get a loan and work your way through school, like I did in the '70s!" "I literally cannot work enough hours on minimum wage to afford a public university." "So get a better job!" "But I don't have a degree!"

    Perfumista Perfumista
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A college degree no longer guarantees a good wage and can come with crippling debt. I went to college, had a good job and salary for over 25 years, then the position moved to India and I found out that the whole industry had basically moved what I did overseas or out of state. Also, no one was looking to hire and train someone in their 50s. I just accepted a job paying $16 per hour.

    Donna Leske
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    YES! Thank you! My oldest daughter got her Master's, has a crippling debt that she may pay on until she is 66 years old, and works two jobs; an Amazon sorting center and maid service at a huge hotel. Yet she lives in a tiny apartment and has no savings. Thank YOU college for training her in a field with little jobs available.

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    Hans
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Frankly, I would like my food to be prepared by professionals. Otherwise we end up with nasty stuff as posted on BP a few days ago (mold, rats, dirty stuff in the kitchen).

    Pandana
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Im in DEBT because of college. If i could make 15/per hour id be so happy

    The Redhead
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Teens working after school deserve to get paid a decent wage like everyone else, and they rarely work more than 15 hours a week. It's possible a high school kid is working just for pocket money, but they may be working to help their family out, buy a car or pay for car insurance, the may also have to work so they can attend college.

    Colin Matthews
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Frankly if you think that you are a professional anything on 15/hour then you wasted your time at college...

    Jarno Flinkers
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What is a dead-end job? Oh, they meant a job beneath them. Just say that! Your dead-end job may be another one's blessing, so they get to eat every day. You stuck up... Bleeperdebleepbleep!

    Zulma Ruiz
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What is wrong too and is deeply rooted in this country, is that if you don't go to college or university, you don't deserve a good salary because you're lazy, lazy, not everyone has the opportunity to study, and not because they are lazy. . Life chances are not the same for everyone.

    Damo Lee Park
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    if you're a "professional" only earning 15 an hour, you suck. Kids in Australia out earn you on a weekly basis. Have some pride and demand more

    Kiss Army
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why do people always assume fast food and service jobs are easy? I've done that work it is thankless, constantly busy, back breaking and repetitive. I earned every bit of what I was paid. I have a career working in a professional office environment now and it has it's own challenges but is not near as exhausting as my fast food days when I was much younger. I try to never take a service worker for granted or treat them with anything but respect and it is high time we PAY THEM FAIRLY!

    Laura Craig
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Have you any idea the amount of people with Masters degrees that are forced to stack shelves?

    Donna Leske
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    YES. See my comment above about my daughter. Sadly I see no way out of it for her.

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    Sue User
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I saw a job posting that was paying $17 for a position that required a bachelor degree, years of experience and microsoft certification a plus.

    KelBel
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And if $15/hour is earning the SAME as "working professionals", then I'd be really pissed about having an expensive DEGREE and only making that much. What's the point of all that time,money & education if all you're going to earn is the same as a person WITHOUT that education & degree? This person should really just focus on themselves, not worry about everyone else.

    Gary Geracci
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, I think there's a problem here.have you priced the cost of a College education lately. It requires a full time job to get it Before The Degree, and to support oneself while looking for the job it's supposed to help you get!

    Sasha Kuleshov
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Most people on "unskilled" jobs have too many degrees ;D

    Henry Tuttle
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't get how these people who claim to care about economics don't understand that raising the minimum wage will raise wages for everyone down the line over time.

    Marcellus the Third
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nah, I'm too lazy to go find an easier job.

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    Bettie Douglas, a cashier at Which Wich Superior Sandwiches in St. Louis, Missouri who makes $10 an hour, told CNN that her salary barely covers rent, bills, and food.

    She commented: "I deserve a liveable wage. Anyone who works deserves to take care of their families, feed their families, pay their bills, afford the necessities of life. I'm not asking for a handout, I'm working as much as I can. $10 is just not making it, and $15 isn't going to really make it either but at least it'll help."

    #20

    Dumb-Reasons-Against-Minimum-Wage-Increase

    tagsavage Report

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    #21

    Dumb-Reasons-Against-Minimum-Wage-Increase

    reddit.com Report

    Hans
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Interesting that these people kow exactly why some people need to work in low-incoming jobs. "Lazyness" is such an easy explanation. What about illness? Bad fate in live? Other hardships? If you are at the bottom, it might not be as easy to get up as some imagine.

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    #24

    Dumb-Reasons-Against-Minimum-Wage-Increase

    reddit.com Report

    Hans
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This concepts of buying power and inflation go hard on those who want to ingore them.

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    #26

    Dumb-Reasons-Against-Minimum-Wage-Increase

    Nedsfeed Report

    Mike Ward
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    lets count the ways Ned messed up here... I have; 1/ Australia isn't in Europe; 2/ they don't use Euros; 3/ if their currency is higher that makes a "European" $20 even more then an American $20, meaning the Aussies would be paid more then US$20/hr; 4/ this guy is the one that needs to learn. Not bad for just 26 words.

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    #27

    Dumb-Reasons-Against-Minimum-Wage-Increase

    Report

    #28

    Dumb-Reasons-Against-Minimum-Wage-Increase

    Minimum wage debate. Blue responded to the “just get a better job” argument by comparing it normal people being expected to just play in the NFL if they wanted a better job despite their mental or physical limitations.

    reddit.com Report

    Dark_flame
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Just get a better job". Fine, let those w minimum wages all just quit and get better jobs. Then there's no movie theaters, no burger joints, no public restrooms and what not. How is this even a discussion? Especially in the states where EVERYTHING costs 😱

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