William F. Smith: “the debate on H.R. 2, the ``Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007,'' would benefit from a discussion of the facts. For example…”

“the debate on H.R. 2, the ``Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007,'' would benefit from a discussion of the facts. For example, increasing the minimum wage would not have a positive impact on all working and non-working Americans. The number of people who would benefit from raising the minimum wage is not nearly as large as some claim and those individuals who receive the minimum wage are not nearly as poor as some suggest. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2005 only 2.5 percent of all hourly-paid workers earned the minimum wage. More than a quarter of those workers are teenagers and half are under 25. Those who support a minimum wage increase should be forthright--some Americans will lose their jobs if the minimum wage is increased, especially youth and low-skilled workers. If the minimum wage is raised, businesses will incur additional costs and some will be forced to layoff employees. Also, most individuals who receive the minimum wage have other sources of income, such as food stamps, government allowances, or earned income tax credits. Still, we are confronted with the stark reality that over one million families must survive on little more than $1,000 a month. These families need food, clothes, housing, transportation, and hope. Frankly, any person who engages in honest labor deserves a worthy wage and a dignified life. Some say there are jobs Americans won't do. That demeans hard-working Americans who do work in every occupation.”