by Asha Pineda, Staffwriter
Devils’ Advocate

If you have not heard yet, the minimum wage will rise from $10 per hour to $15 per hour by the year 2022. On Monday, April 4, California’s governor, Jerry Brown, signed a bill that will increase the minimum wage by $5. As 2022 comes closer, wages will gradually increase over the next six years. Brown’s actions have erupted different opinions regarding the change of minimum wage all around the United States. Some say that they have been waiting for this change for a long time, while others believe it will negatively affect the economy.

Very well-known politicians such as, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders, are supporting Governor Brown’s decision. Even New York has decided to increase their wages to $15 per hour. Governor Brown stated, “This plan raises the minimum wage in a careful and responsible way and provides some flexibility if economic and budgetary conditions change.” This change is designed to help those hard working employees to get out of poverty, as stated by the Los Angeles mayor. This was a way to help those minimum wage full time workers who are supporting their families.

However, there are those who still believe that this wage hike will just increase the number of those below the poverty line. This is because if the wages go up, the demand for laborers will decrease due to budgetary reasons. So the unemployed workers who were working before the hike of minimum wage will then live in poverty after it. Some also have stated that the prices of goods and services will also rise, which will affect the consumers and their outgoing expenses. They will need to spend more with the same amount of income. Whatever situation you are in, please prepare yourself as 2022 comes near.