A few weeks ago, we touched on the upcoming Presidential election and our participants’ preferences for the various candidates. Bob Sargent has expressed an interest in devoting a meeting in the near future to the 2016 Presidential Election. We can discuss:
There should be plenty to discuss! Perhaps next week?
The President renewed his call for an increased minimum wage, observing that the current federal level does not represent a “living wage.” The NY Times argued in it’s Editorial Staff blog that even $10.10 an hour is not enough. Republicans have expressed concern that raising the minimum wage will eliminate some jobs that “aren’t worth” $7 per hour.
Who’s right? How should this be decided? To be discussed on Monday.
If you’d like to read some more…
Center for Economic and Policy Research
Forbes (I think reasonably balanced), but you’ll judge for yourself
The February 2014 CBO Study (it’s not too long)
ABC News “Cliff Notes” Version
Feel free to comment if you think there’s a better source we should consider for Monday.
Here’s what I consider a pretty balanced article about state and local increases in the minimum wage…Minimum Wage
Unfortunately, the headline seems a bit more biased. Maybe “Wages up for many, but fewer entry-level jobs likely.”
It’s easy to see how millions can benefit from wage increases, hard to quantify jobs that are avoided by automation, outsourcing, or just slower economic growth. Without a sense for both sides, it’s tough to identify the best policy.