Minimum wage raised to $7.25!

astros99 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-08-2007, 12:24 AM

In the USA, minimum has been raised for the first time in nearly a decade. It has jumped up from $5.15 to $7.25 per hour. Don't get excited just yet, because President Bush still has to sign the bill, then after he signs it the change will take affect 2 years after the day it has been signed. But, within 60 days of the signing, the wage will have to be changed to $5.85. Then, one year after, the wage will be at $6.25. Finally, 2 years after it will be at $7.25.

antonswan · #2 (**permalink**) 02-17-2007, 12:34 AM

I can see why you would be excited, but how much does $7.25 per hour [in two years let's not forget] buy? Can it buy a decent place to live with utilities. Will it be able to put food on the table for a small family, let alone a large one? How much gas can it put into a car and make the car insurance payments as well? I don't know how much better it will really make things.

richiekotzenrules · #3 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 03:07 PM

Shouldn't the minimum wage be higher than $7.25? I am sure for the people that are effected by it they are more then happy, and I am sure it means a lot to them cause it help their financial situation. But don't you think there are ways the companies will find a way around paying the higher wage? How about health insurance? I am sure most of the people working minimum wage don't even get that.

astros99 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-10-2007, 05:06 AM

Yeah I guess your right. Even though it will help people, they have to wait 2 years. That's really the bad part. I'd imagine that if it affected a certain person, they would get their salary hiked to $7.25 anyways. If not, then that isn't really a good job, unless you get paid commission or something. It's mainly better for the teens and young adults that will work in 2 years.