By: MADHIHA I., Samantha V., AUSTIN T., Paul V. Interest Groups, Lobbyists, & Think Tanks By: MADHIHA I., Samantha V., AUSTIN T., Paul V.

Benefits the employees Most workers (79%) who will benefit are adults and among these workers, there are 1.2 million single parents of which the vast majority (59%) are also women.

Myth: Increasing the minimum wage will cause people to lose their jobs. No. The best economic research, and real world experiences with minimum wage increases, confirms that raising the minimum wage does not cause job loss. The most sophisticated minimum wage study to date, published in November 2010 by economists at the University of Massachusetts, University of North Carolina, and University of California found that minimum wage increases did not cost jobs. A companion study published in April 2011 found that these results hold true even during periods of recession and high unemployment.

Restores value & reduces wage inequality A minimum wage increase is needed to restore its value. The federal minimum wage is not adjusted for inflation therefore every time inflation goes up and the congress does not increase the minimum wage, its value decreases. Wages inequality increased because the real value of the minimum wage decreases as inflation increases, and those who are compensated become richer while those who earn the minimum wage become poorer. An increase in minimum wage will help to reduce wage inequality between workers.

Increases Spending which benefits the economy Minimum wage increases stimulates the economy by increasing consumer spending. Consumer spending drives 70 percent of the economy, and increasing demand is key for jumpstarting production and re- hiring. A raise in the minimum wage puts money into the pockets of low- income consumers, who immediately spend it at local businesses. The Economic Policy Institute estimates that the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013, which would raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10 per hour, would generate $22 billion in new economic activity in communities across the country.

http://mrkay.weebly.com/uploads/2/9/3/5/2935169/_c hapter_12_fact_sheet.pdf http://www.raisetheminimumwage.com/pages/qanda credits