Bell Ringer  Opinion: What is the purpose of a minimum wage?  Is it necessary? Why/why not?  Do you think employers would take advantage of workers if there were no minimum wage? Explain.  What, if any, are the benefits for employers of paying above minimum wage? 

History of Minimum Wage  Signed into law in 1938 by President Franklin Roosevelt, at the height of the Great Depression.  Its stated purpose was to keep America’s workers out of poverty, and increase consumer purchasing power in order to stimulate the economy.

Does it Work?  The Federal minimum wage is $7.25/hour  What is the annual income for a minimum-wage earner who works 40 hours/week? $15,080  The poverty line: $11,490 for a single person $23,550 for a family of four  Compare to Living Wage worksheet.

What is the solution?  Take a side!  Make a list of arguments presented as you view each video (T-chart style!). Raise the minimum wage to a living wage (or, at least above the poverty line)! ○ Get rid of the minimum wage! ○ Discuss with a partner

Minimum Wage Debate!  With your partner, research your assigned side of the minimum wage debate  Find as many CREDIBLE arguments for your side as possible (minimum 5, well- explained arguments)  List each source (Organization, publication, etc. and date)

Other ways wages are impacted…  The minimum wage is one way government regulation affects the labor market.  Unions are another organization that impacts worker wages.  Right-to-work laws