2008 Woodie Awards
Minimum Wage
Elcid Martinez
Issue date: 9/13/06 Section: Opinion
We've all had that experience of working a
minimum wage job; many of us continue to be used as tools in the corporate game. Do not despair, the feelings of exhaustion and suicidal thoughts that go along with a lengthy day of menial work will be somewhat diminished.
According to the LA Times, On August 22, Governor Schwarzenegger came to an agreement with the Democrats on a pay raise for Californians earning a minimum wage of $6.75. The first pay raise will be to $7.50 on January 1st, 2007 and $8 on January 1, 2008.
So what does this mean for FC students? I guess the collective reaction would be that it's a good thing. Cynics would say that Schwarzenegger is looking to score political points with the 2006
elections looming in California, they would be right. A reasonable person would tell the government to stop taxing people whose income is below the poverty line.
Nay-sayers would declare it will ruin the economy and workers would lose jobs, but there is no proof of this. A majority of studies done on minimum wage increases have shown the opposite.
The more immediate effect is that working students living on minimum wage will have differing experiences if and when this raise takes place.
The older students, married students, who may have kids and skyrocketing expenses, will feel it's not enough. Those on their own but still somewhat dependent on their parents (we'll call them tweeners) will like it but won't love it as they are struggling for their financial
independence.
And finally, are the just out of high school kids, with no real understanding of finances, yelling "awesome!" at the thought of more money, to this last group, I say, don't get too comfortable, things will get harder.
As for me, I'm a tweener, I work for minimum wage. Despite the possibility of a higher pay and a bump in pay for those who make slightly more than minimum wage, the best way to combat the pitfalls of a sluggish economy is by finding a way to save your money.
I would be a little less disappointed and disconnected with my generation if my peers invested their money for the future, instead of spending like a prince on a peasant's salary.
As for the older students married with families, who find it hard to save and invest because of their spiraling budgets, unless you can change the climate that squeezes low income families, I don't know what to say to you except that you're screwed.
minimum wage job; many of us continue to be used as tools in the corporate game. Do not despair, the feelings of exhaustion and suicidal thoughts that go along with a lengthy day of menial work will be somewhat diminished.
According to the LA Times, On August 22, Governor Schwarzenegger came to an agreement with the Democrats on a pay raise for Californians earning a minimum wage of $6.75. The first pay raise will be to $7.50 on January 1st, 2007 and $8 on January 1, 2008.
So what does this mean for FC students? I guess the collective reaction would be that it's a good thing. Cynics would say that Schwarzenegger is looking to score political points with the 2006
elections looming in California, they would be right. A reasonable person would tell the government to stop taxing people whose income is below the poverty line.
Nay-sayers would declare it will ruin the economy and workers would lose jobs, but there is no proof of this. A majority of studies done on minimum wage increases have shown the opposite.
The more immediate effect is that working students living on minimum wage will have differing experiences if and when this raise takes place.
The older students, married students, who may have kids and skyrocketing expenses, will feel it's not enough. Those on their own but still somewhat dependent on their parents (we'll call them tweeners) will like it but won't love it as they are struggling for their financial
independence.
And finally, are the just out of high school kids, with no real understanding of finances, yelling "awesome!" at the thought of more money, to this last group, I say, don't get too comfortable, things will get harder.
As for me, I'm a tweener, I work for minimum wage. Despite the possibility of a higher pay and a bump in pay for those who make slightly more than minimum wage, the best way to combat the pitfalls of a sluggish economy is by finding a way to save your money.
I would be a little less disappointed and disconnected with my generation if my peers invested their money for the future, instead of spending like a prince on a peasant's salary.
As for the older students married with families, who find it hard to save and invest because of their spiraling budgets, unless you can change the climate that squeezes low income families, I don't know what to say to you except that you're screwed.
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