mo' money blues

The internet has been awash in news of the possible minimum wage increase. There appears to be a bitter rift between corporate opponents (many of which would be effected the most), and everybody else. Considering the annual rise in cost of living over the last decade, I was actually surprised to discover that the last minimum wage increase happened over 10 years ago. It's actually quite disgusting, in my opinion, and the idea that anyone could survive making less than $6 an hour is ridiculous.

If you happen to check out any of the articles online about the minimum wage increase, you will find some interesting statistics. Those vehemently opposed to the increase were often trying to push the idea that this would seriously harm small business owners, but as numerous articles have stated, including the one I linked to above, 70% say that it will have no effect on them. I've seen other articles indicating that as many as 86% will experience no ill effects from it.

The article above, by the way, is a news article I found at a site called IncParadise.com. They specialize in free advice for small business owners, and have other noteworthy advice on incorporation (hence the name!), business trends, tax law, benefits and payroll.

Speaking of payroll, IncParadise also reported that small business hiring was up in December of 2006, so the impending minimum wage increase doesn't seem to be stifling small business in any way.

Personally, I believe that every person in this country should be able to survive if they are working full time. Granted, certain communities are much more expensive to live in than others, and for those that are poisoned to be in that type of an arrangement, I recommend a road trip or two to some nearby areas that might be more affordable. We did it, and haven't regretted it yet.

I have been reading up on some of the local bulletin boards to see how this minimum wage increase might affect our own community, but unfortunately, the discussions seem to be more personal in nature. One woman had the nerve to make the statement that "some jobs don't deserve more than minimum wage". Very sad, indeed.

None-the-less, all signs are pointing to a wage increase, and it has been long overdue. If it means that I have to spend an extra 25 cents each time I go to the grocery store, so be it. It's worth it for the community and for those who now have to bust their butts for 40 hours a week for only $210...and that's *before* taxes.