Where
do you live?
A
constant fight to lower the poverty level in the United States has been an
ongoing issue, which looks like it is only getting worse. The Census
Bureau announced figures in 2010 showing that 49 million citizens were living
in poverty. One year later, new figures had shown an increase to 49.7 million
citizens. This growing dilemma has sparked interest in the political
world.
A
good idea!
After
his State of the Union address on Feb. 12, President Obama added a possible solution to the raising
poverty issue. He made it known that raising the minimum wage was a necessary
step to turn around this growing problem.
U.S.
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and U.S Rep. George Miller (D-CA) took Obama’s side
and put together the Harkin-Miller Proposal. If passed it
would raise minimum wage from $7.25 to $9.80 an hour across the nation.
The
Harkin-Miller Proposal is aimed primarily towards low income families, high
school/college students, and many retired citizens who work for many low paying
jobs. Supporters of a minimum wage increase say that raising the minimum wage
would greatly benefit the many Americans who cannot keep up with the cost of
living. As President Obama stated in his speech, “It could mean the
difference between scraping by and finally getting ahead.”
Not
going to work!
These opposing arguments are aimed at employers of whom may not be able to
afford to give an increase to their employees. Some arguments are aimed towards
many Americans who are worried that other businesses would take advantage of
this extra money by raising prices on their already highly priced products, and
of course the possible loss of jobs.
Both sides of the argument have great reasons to support their views. Some
arguments contradict each other, for instance, one side believes that it would
create more jobs by supplying the market with more money to spend. The opposing
side looks at the business point of view. They believe that is it taking much
needed money away from an already weakened economy filled with businesses that
are failing. However the ultimate decision will depend upon the senate, and
until that decision is made the debate continues.
You don't discuss opposing sides here. You mention the President and two legislators from the President's party. For our class, better for you to concentrate on the specific policy proposal than on the broader language stated in Obama's SoU. How are the advocates for this bill attempting to gain public support? And yes, there are many folks arguing against raising the minimum wage. As an analyst, you must look at the specifics of a particular effort. The broader efforts - being waged by talking heads or opinion writers - are efforts to boost abstract ideas like "acceptability" etc. But specific campaigns are waged to gain support for specific legislation. Take a look at these specific efforts. Let me know how I can help.
ReplyDelete