Poll: Majority of America wants to raise minimum wage
The U.S. government hasn’t raised its minimum wage since 2009. Those earning the minimum make $7.25 hr., an income bracket that is sure to keep them in poverty.
But according to a new Gallup poll, 58% of self-identified republicans would vote to raise the minimum wage to $9 hr.
“…more than three-quarters of Americans (76%) say they would vote for raising the minimum wage to $9 per hour (it is currently $7.25) in a hypothetical national referendum, a five-percentaged-point increase since March. About one-fifth (22%) would vote against this.”
While congress ultimately holds national authority to raise the minimum wage, these numbers show that more Americans want it to be increased. Last week, New Jersey residents voted to amend the state constitution to raise the minimum wage to $8.25.
The Obama Administration has voiced support for the Harkin-Miller bill, one that would raise the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour. Proponents of the bill argue that the minimum wage has lost most of its value due to decades of economic erosion.
Thoughts on the poll?
What should the federally-mandated minimum wage be?
Sound off below!