A Mixed Blessing

Would raising the minimum wage be good or bad for the economy—and for the majority of workers? Americans have been debating that question for years (see "A Bigger Payday"). Although federal law set the minimum wage at $7.25 in 2009, in 29 states workers are paid more. Now supporters of a higher minimum wage are seeking to more than double the federal minimum to $15. They say the increase is needed to help people make a living wage. Opponents say it would lead to a loss of jobs and make life even harder for low-paid workers.

The cartoons above take two points of view on the subject. Study them, then answer the questions.

1. What is taking place in the cartoon at top, and what happens to the person working the counter?

2. In this cartoonist’s view, what might be an unintended consequence of a higher minimum wage?

3. In the bottom cartoon, what is ironic about the identity of the pizza delivery guy? What point is the cartoonist trying to make?

4. How might each cartoon be a comment on the other? Which point of view do you agree with?

Write two arguments about raising the minimum wage, first from the point of view of a worker in a restaurant, then the owner. What could each say that the other may not have considered?