Writing in today’s Common Dreams, Ralph Nader discusses how progressive congressmen have proposed raising the minimum wage to $10 per hour. The current rate is $7.25, which would work out to less than $15,000 for a full year’s work at 40 hours a week.
According to Nader, the minimum wage is worth less now than it was in 1968. Most Americans (70%) support raising the minimum wage. Nader also notes that since the money would be going to people who would spend it, a raise in the minimum wage would also boost the economy.
Of course, this great idea is pure theater. Republicans control the House, and they will never let the Progressives’ bill go forward. That said, it’s important that people like the congressman and Nader keep fighting. Every time we hear the words “deficit” and “cut,” we need to ask: Who wins this game. It’s not the 99%.
