Orrin Hatch: “we know that only about 22 percent of the American people who are on minimum wage are people who have households to…”

“we know that only about 22 percent of the American people who are on minimum wage are people who have households to support. Almost every job on minimum wage is given to somebody who literally needs a job, would not otherwise have that opportunity and probably would have his or her job chances diminished if the minimum wage is increased. We found that to be the case year after year after year. You cannot mandate increased labor costs without adverse impacts. What are those impacts? Decreased employment opportunities, particularly for teenagers, and others, who are in the worst condition, with few skills and employment barriers. In large part, these reductions will be fewer jobs created, the elimination of certain services, such as bagging groceries or having them loaded in your car, or having services performed less frequently. Higher prices for goods and services. The minimum wage is an ineffective antipoverty policy. Why? Because three-quarters of those earning the minimum wage are not heads of households or do not live in poor families--three-quarters of them. Most of these jobs are taken by people who are not from the poorest of the poor. Since the minimum wage increase cannot be targeted only to those who need it, the likelihood is that those with more experience, maturity, or skills will get or retain entry-level jobs and those who need a first-chance job the most are going to lose out.”