Yes I can!

     Igor Volksy recently posted an article on Think Progress favoring an increase in the minimum wage using real world examples. One of the main arguments Republicans have against the increase is the fact that doing so would cost jobs. However Volksy, using hard evidence, has proved them wrong.

     The minimum wage in Washington is $9.32, and in the 15-year period since the raise they have experienced a steady increase in employment. In 2004 San Francisco raised minimum wage finding similar results. While he brings up the argument that the Bay Area in San Francisco experienced a decrease in employment he goes on to mention the employment rate for restaurant workers increased and states that have raised the minimum wage generally show a decrease in unemployment rates. He argues that the increase shows people stay with their employer longer, exhibit an increase in productivity, and force businesses to find other places to cut costs. It is clear he is writing this to persuade Republicans, those opposing the increase, and the undecided/uninterested that an increase in minimum wage on the national level would be beneficial for people and their employment opportunities.

     I agree that it would be beneficial to increase the minimum wage. It would help out lower income families not only financially but also in the workplace. Because workers would be able to live on their own or at the very least support their families, they would in turn be generally happier at their jobs therefore increasing productivity. Lower wages are a huge factor workers take into consideration when deciding whether or not their job is "worth it." If workers are paid more/fairly they are more likely to stay with their current employer. Also as a retail worker I highly believe in and encourage companies to find other ways to cut costs other than lowering (or paying low) wages. One way to cut costs, in my store, would be to make the most out of shipment boxes. For example, some days we will receive a single children's clip-on tie in a box that can easily hold around 50 pairs of denim. There are many other ways companies could minimize costs and still turn a profit should an increase in minimum wage happen without letting go of their current employees.