National & Civic Issues

9 Circulars of the Democratic National Committee, Washington, D.C. 1940

Abstract:

The New Deal introduced government programs that transformed American society. This political broadside praises the economic progress from 1932 to 1940: how have we progressed economically between 1940 and today? Where could we continue to improve?

Read Article
Learn More About Primary Sources
Source:

Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources

Author:

Democratic National Committee

Video: What the US Gets Wrong About the Minimum Wage

Abstract:

The federal minimum wage in the United States is more unpredictable than in other countries because there is no consistency in when wages will go up and is in the hands of politicians. In France and other countries, the minimum wage automatically goes up tied to inflation and average salaries.

Read Article
Source:

Vox

Published:

8/15/2019

Video: Why Raise the Minimum Wage?

Abstract:

Since 2009, the federal minimum wage has not changed. More than a quarter of minimum wage earners are supporting families. If the federal minimum wage were tied to inflation or productivity, it would be significantly higher than $7.25 per hour.

Read Article
Source:

UC Berkeley Labor Center

Published:

10/14/2014

Minimum Wage

Abstract:

The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 per hour since July 24th, 2009. This government website includes links to learn about the history of the minimum wage, minimum wage laws in different states, and information on raising the minimum wage.

Read Article
Source:

U.S. Department of Labor

Raising the Federal Minimum Wage to $15 by 2025 Would Lift Wages for Over 33 Million Workers

Abstract:

Raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025 would lift wages for more than one fifth of the workforce. This increase would benefit 6.2 million workers currently in poverty.

Read Article
Source:

Economic Policy Institute

Author:

David Cooper

Published:

7/17/2019

Raising the Minimum Wage: Good for Workers, Businesses, and the Economy

Abstract:

The current federal minimum wage is not enough money for a family to live on and is therefore unacceptable. The Raise the Wage Act, which would raise the federal minimum wage to $12 by 2020, is supported by businesses, would boost the economy, and has bipartisan support.

Read Article
Source:

Committee on Education & The Workforce

Author:

Robert Scott

When It Comes to Raising the Minimum Wage, Most of the Action is in Cities and States, Not Congress

Abstract:

The federal minimum wage has stayed at $7.25 per hour since 2009, and is unlikely to change in the near future. However, some cities and states, from Oregon to New York, have adopted their own local minimum wage laws.

Read Article
Source:

Pew Research Center

Author:

Drew Desilver

Published:

2/24/2020

The Unintended Consequences of Raising Minimum Wage to $15

Abstract:

Increasing the federal minimum wage would benefit some workers, but would leave other workers jobless. Employers, especially of small businesses, will be unable to keep their full staff if the minimum wage increases, which will increase poverty.

Read Article
Source:

Forbes

Author:

Jack Kelly

Published:

7/10/2019

5 Reasons Raising the Minimum Wage is Bad for Public Policy

Abstract:

Increasing the federal minimum wage will decrease the amount of labor needed and will lead to unemployment. Increasing the minimum wage will also make products and services more expensive.

Read Article
Source:

Foundation for Economic Education

Author:

John Phelan

Published:

3/25/2019

Podcast: The Real Minimum Wage

Abstract:

The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, but state and city governments can require a higher minimum wage. Economists disagree about the effects of raising the federal minimum wage; some argue that raising the federal wage will decrease jobs, while some argue that the federal minimum wage has been stagnant for 10 years while the prices of goods and services have gone up.

Read Article
Source:

Planet Money, NPR

Author:

Stacey Vanek Smith & Cardiff Garcia

Published:

5/16/2019

Podcast: The Fight for $15: Are Minimum Wage Increases a Path Out of Poverty or a Job Killer?

Abstract:

More than half of Americans favor a federal minimum wage of $15 an hour to address inequality. Those that oppose a higher minimum wage want to protect small businesses and are worried that increasing wages will decrease available jobs.

Read Article
Source:

Arnold Ventures

Author:

Laura Arnold

Published:

12/9/2019