Instant Access To 100,000+ Essays!

Minimum Wage vs. Cost of Living Our nation is considered the richest on earth, yet many Americans are living below poverty level. One reason we can pinpoint is the fact that the current minimum wage has not kept up with the increasing cost of livelihood. The most recent increase in the minimum wage rate was in September of 1997 from $4.75 to $5.15, what Congress considered a livable wage at that time. Six years later the minimum wage is at the same rate, despite of the fact that current cost of living has greatly risen. Minimum wage is based on how the society views the importance of the jobs, not because the workers lack skill. Much of the workforce earning minimum wage are Nurses Aides who care for our elderly, Day Care workers who care for our children, and Security Guards of our major businesses, all necessary, important positions that require