Minimum wage is important to many workers because it sets the standard to which they’re paid helps the economy stay in check. Without minimum wage, an employer can pay their employee whatever they feel is fit without regards to a standard. Raising minimum wage would burden small business owners and lowering it would damage the people even more so due to the fact that they could be paid, let’s say $1 an hour without any consequences to the employer. Each state has a slightly different minimum wage and for Florida, the basic minimum wage is 7.79$ per hour.

Junior Jonathan Johansmeyer said, “I think minimum wage is important to our economy because a vast majority of our work force receives the title of ‘low income’. […] It is important to our economy to keep a minimum wage. Also, most cities in USA have low income housing which attracts low income people that make around $35,000 a year.”

For an average family of 4, the low income is $22,350. The amount changes depending on what extent the money needs to support. Sophomore Alyssa Montero said, “It sets a standard for a starting pay […] Yes [it should be kept].”

Most teenagers start off with minimum wage. When they begin their first job, almost 42% of teenagers are in service a job which includes waitressing, yard work, and more. Each employer is required to pay their employee minimum wage, but with  tips they can change the amount they’re paid. Employees can actually earn less than minimum wage!

Junior Jackie Ferpes said, “It should be kept because when you’re a teenager starting a job for the first time you don’t need a ton of money, I believe it just motivates people to work harder and get a raise!”

Jobs and minimum wage provide first time workers with experience and a humble paycheck. It allows people to work for their money and lets them avoid being ripped off by cheap employers who want to pay them less than $7.79 (provided that they don’t receive tip). Eliminating minimum wage would cause more damage than benefits and it is best that it stays.