Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Analysis: Is the minimum wage more useful for Democrats or Republicans as an issue in the 2006 election cycle?

4 comments:

Mr. Bretzmann said...
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Mr. Bretzmann said...

I agree with brandonk's comments about gaining popularity among certain groups when working for the minimum wage. The question then becomes, "Will that translate into votes?" Are young workers and people who work for minimum wage likely to vote? Are those who favor the status quo more likely to vote (and give money to candidates)? Would it make sense to say that some politicians from both parties are more concerned with helping people who can get them reelected rather than those who need the help? Just a thought.

Megan B said...

I believe that the minimum wage issue will not favor either democrats or republicans in 2006 or for that matter even 2008 elections. I believe other issue will be more debated and useful for all political parties in the up coming election cycles. There are not many people, who have taken advantage of the public school system here in the United States, that do work for minimum wage. Even many teen, who are still enrolled in high schools, are able to obtain jobs that pay more than minimum wage. I know some students do not but people must remember their students, which likely means they are aspiring to a different job, which most likely have higher pay. May I also point out that many of the jobs which do pay minimum wage are given to youth and immigrants, who are not always legal citizens, this means many people earning minimum wage can not even vote. Another point worth making is that many people who actively follow politics and donate to campaigns generally make much more than minimum wage and more than an average income. People who do work for minimum wage and need help do receive help, although it in not a monetary amount, they receive help through programs such as for healthcare with Title 19 and Medicaid, also thing like food stamps, subsidized housing and subsidized child care. There is a chance the media may blow the issue out of proportion and elevate the issue to status that it is not worthy of, but if that is not the case the people most likely to vote are not directly effected by this issue. Which is why, I believe that it will not be an issue for any political party in up coming elections.

tonileep said...

I believe that the minimum wage will be more useful for the Democrats as an issue in the 2006 election cycle. Republicans have declined to raise the minimum wage but Democrats have supported the idea of raising the minimum wage. Since 1997, the federal minimum wage has been $5.15 an hour. There was a 52 to 46 vote in favor for raising the wage to $7.25 in three steps, however, 60 votes were needed. Indeed Democrats do plan to express the issue before the midterm elections begin. They also want to express the issue to the House. On the other side, Republicans believe that raising the minimum wage will be a disadvantage to unskilled workers and that there will be job cuts. A full time minimum wage worker on average earns $10712 a year, which is $900 more then the federal poverty level for a person. However, it is $2500 less for a couple. The proposal that the Democrats have issued would have added $4400. In 21 states the minimum wage has been raised to $6.75 an hour. Inconclusion, it is more useful for the Democrats.