Comments on: Raising Idaho’s Minimum Wage Panel Discussion

By: Nemesis

Nemesis — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:54:57 +0000

Federal minimum wage is currently $5.85 per hour.

It’s not a livable wage, even with two people working. In fact, they’ll qualify for Food Stamps at that wage, 40 hrs/week.

Food Stamps are for those who need to supplement their budget due to extreme poverty. Therefore, minimum wage = poverty.

Folks don’t want to mandate a livable wage because it will create a snowball effect and raise all other costs which will have to be passed along to the consumers, effectively negating the impact of the higher wage for the person who is earning it (and the rest of us bear the costs).

But without some form of higher wage we are consigning those who earn this amount to a life of dependency, unless they have the skills or education to rise beyond it. And the rest of us are paying the taxes for the public assistance.

I disagree with the concept that only people new to the work force will get this wage. When I lost my job in 1989 I was reduced to minimum wage for several years while I looked for a better job. I qualified for food stamps the entire time, and I was working 40 hours/week.

By: CR67

CR67 — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:23:07 +0000

I’ve never heard of the proposed 15 dollar “Federal minimum wage”. From what I’ve read in the past, the federal minimum wage is supposed to go up to 7.35 an hour by next year. (I think that was the number but I could be mistaken) Regardless, I think 7.35 is more reasonable than 15. I agree with Anonymous in that I don’t see our economy handling such a huge jump in the Federal min wage, but 7.35 is more realistic due to the steady increase in the cost of living, inflation etc.
I’m looking forward to see the new documentary of the couple that is going to document their lives with both of them trying to make ends meet by living off of 5.35 and hour for a couple months. It should be interesting. It’s being made by the same guy that did “Super-size Me”, where he ate nothing but McDonalds food breakfast, lunch & dinner for a whole month. Obviously they started their documentary a year or so back when the min wage was still 5.35 an hour. (isn’t it up to 6 something these days?)

By: anonymous

anonymous — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 05:46:34 +0000

Do you really think our economy can handle a Federal minimum wage of 15.00 an hour? Do you realize how many employment cut-backs businesses will have to make, and how much more they will have to charge just to make a profit? Also, you have to consider different areas have hugely different economies. Rural areas simply cannot afford a 15.00 an hour minimum wage.

By: anonymous

anonymous — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 20:50:03 +0000

The problem I find, is for people like me who make around $9.00, and have had to work to that from minimum wage @ $5.15 (which takes a few years). Once the minimum wage is raised, we dont get a porportional raise in income. So if say the minimum wage is increased to $8.00, an entry level person could be making more than a person like me (who has been with their company a few years) in a lesser amount of time than it took me to get to the same point. Then, when inflation catches up the minimum wage (which it will) I will be making less porportionally than I am with our current minimum wage.

The problem from a buisiness standpoint is that if you have to pay your employees more, you have to charge more for your goods and services to make up for the loss… thus incurring inflation. Perhaps an ethical limit on profit through better consumer information would be a better idea.

For example; If a pair of jeans only costs a few dollars to make (from materials to construction and marketing) then is it ethical to make a 300% – 600% return in profit on them? Yet, we as consumers put up with this due in large part to ignorance in the cost of manufacturing and production. If you knew what said pair of jeans cost the manufacturer to make… say $15.00 would you still buy them for $80.00? I propose that if we were able to limit inflation due to excess profit on goods and services an increase in the minimum wage would not be needed.

By: BoredGirl

BoredGirl — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 16:03:22 +0000

Heck, as a teenager making min wage, I’d be happy with a 5.50 per hour!! Did you know that the Idaho min. wage hasn’t been increased for 10 years. TEN!! I was SIX the last time it was changed. In the past year or two gas prices alone have gone up over a dollar per gallon. Thank goodness my parents have a deal with my car privledges. As long as I keep a 4.0, expenses are paid for. Still I’m trying to save for college! I want to be able to take classes and get good grades without being too crowded with work and homework. a little extra money in savings will help ALOT.

By: David F. Prenatt, Jr.

David F. Prenatt, Jr. — Sun, 02 Jul 2006 04:25:37 +0000

How would you respond to the position that an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit would be much more effective and equitable way of helping the working poor than an increase in the minimum wage?

By: vote4change

vote4change — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 16:42:16 +0000

I would suggest $7.15 to start and a increase according to national cost of living increases yearly

By: Wilson

Wilson — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 22:55:32 +0000

And what is the amount you are proposing vote? I suggested $15.00, would you suggest a different amount?

By: vote4change

vote4change — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 17:12:29 +0000

Idaho’s minimum wage will never increase as long as you have Legislators that think having a low wage not only helps business but those working for that wage.They see minimum wage as a tool to help people to better themselves.

By: willson

willson — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 22:49:26 +0000

Why not put the minimum wage at $15.00 per hour? That makes more sense than $7.00.

By: JeremyPlo

JeremyPlo — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 16:14:13 +0000

The current minimum wage in America is a JOKE. As an entry-level worker, I find it disgusting that I have to sell stuff to pawn shops from time to time to make rent (which is WAY too high for Idaho property tax rates, but that’s a discussion for another time).

I believe a decent min. wage should start at $7.00 per hour. I work in a small business, and I know they could make it work.