So, the GOP won't support Biden's proposed $15/ hour minimum wage? They do seem to like this

[Atticus]

Last edited Tue Feb 2, 2021, 04:05 PM - Edit history (1)

"1776" number, so----$17.76?

They're gonna scream at $15; let them scream for our "patriotic" minimum wage.

(To those preparing to jump on this, this is not seriously proposed. $15/ hour would be a good first step.)

Addendum: Actually, $16.19/hour would be a good NEXT step before jumping to $17.76.

[Cobalt Violet]

1. perfect.

[MacKasey]

2. You know that may be a Great Idea

I think the $15 kicks in, in 2025. How about picking a date to go to $17.76?

Any ideas?

[Jerry2144]

5. 2026

2026. And then an annual automatic increase

[AleksS]

3. Actually, I kind of love that!

That's the kind of messaging/branding the Democratic party needs!

[UpInArms]

4. They complain about the security network of SNAP and other benefits

Yet, they rail against a living wage ... raising minimum wage would save the government approximately $30 billion a year in benefits

[FraDon]

6. Clever idea; has a nice beat;

I think we might be able to dance to it.

$17.76 :: the Patriotic Minimum Wage

– a hearty step on the path to a Living Wage.

[Wounded Bear]

7. $15/hr is actually late...

by the time this phases in-2023 IIRC-it will be below the inflation rate again. $15 was, by my amateur calculations a good number for about 2012.

What we need is a law that ties it to inflation so it goes up automatically when needed.

[Johnny2X2X]

8. $15 will fundamentally change society for the better

I cannot fully relay what this will mean to 10s of millions of Americans. The best I can say is that this will offer hope to millions. It will bring a dignified life within reach for so many.

Right now, knowing that unskilled jobs pay $8 or $9 an hour or if you get a good warehouse job you can maybe maybe $12 an hour, that's just not a life for people. Not a chance for a happy life.

$15 is at least some hope. Hope that if I work hard at anything I do I can afford to live. Hope that a young couple can at least afford an apartment most places, a decent car. Hope for food security, maybe some savings. This sets a floor that allows for hope, that is an amazing thing for people. For young people it's the difference between a hopeless life where crime seems like the only way to get what you need to live, and being able to see a 40 hour work week as a way to maintain a life. $15 means moving out from your parents house to a lot of young people, it means having a car that doesn't need repairs every month to others.

I haven't made less than $15 in decades, but I remember what life seemed like before I decided to get my degree, looking around and seeing only $8 an hour for my future made me feel hopeless. It can be argued that $15 isn't enough some places, and that is true, but setting this floor for the country is going to fundamentally change us for the better.