Raise the federal minimum wage
The federal minimum wage is $7.25/hour (~$14,500/year full-time), unchanged since 2009. A full-time minimum wage earner falls below the poverty line if supporting children. Most states have raised their minimum wage. The main proposal in Congress is to gradually raise the federal minimum wage to $15/hour over five years. The CBO estimates this would raise wages for 18 million workers, lift 0.3 million above poverty, but reduce employment by about 0.5 million.
Arguments For & Against
Pro Argument
People who work full time should not have to live in poverty—on the brink of homelessness, unable to afford basic necessities. Increasing the minimum wage would raise many workers and their children above the poverty line, allowing them to invest in themselves and their family and build a better life.
Con Argument
If we raise the minimum wage, some employers will have to lay off workers because they cannot pay the higher wages. Some may also find it more cost-efficient to automate the job. That will especially hurt workers with few skills who are less likely to be rehired and may be thrown into poverty. It will also hurt younger workers who accept low wages to get work experience.
Source document: Minimum_Wage_Quaire_040523.pdf
| Type | Organization | Date | Nat | Rep | Dem | Gap | Metric |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New PPC Survey (2026) | Program for Public Consultation | February 2026 | 94% | 90% | 97% | 7% | chose_amount_over |
| Deliberative Survey | Program for Public Consultation | February 2023 | 94% | 89% | 99% | 10% | chose_amount_over |
Program for Public Consultation — February 2026
Another proposal is to raise the Federal Minimum Wage. Currently, it is $7.25 an hour. Though many states have a higher minimum wage for their state. What do you think the Federal Minimum Wage should be? $_____ per hour
Program for Public Consultation — February 2023
What do you think the [federal] minimum wage should be five years from now? You can choose any number you like.