Why is the minimum wage so high? $5.15p/h! How are we rich to make money when common workers want so much?

Question

This is the real Oparh!

Answer 1

Judging from the phrasing in your question I am sensing a bit of sarcasm, but you asked and I will answer (it will be a slightly opinionated answer, but I get the impression this is what you are looking for). Recently the federal government did shoot down a bill to increase minimum wage, keeping it at $5.15 per hour. However, each state has the ability to increase their minimum wage, or ignore a federal increase as George Bush did for the state of Texas in 1997 when president Bill Clinton, the senate, and house increased the minimum wage from $4.75 to $5.15 per hour; keeping Texas workers at $4.75 per hour. Let's take a closer look at the insanely high minimum wage of $5.15 per hour.

If you worked 40 hours a week making $5.15 per hour before taxes you would make $206.00 per week. After taxes you would have approximately $162.74 in your pocket (I am being generous). Keeping this same logic in mind (40 hrs per week every week), you would have $8,462.48 to spend for the year. Which of course means you would have $705.21 to spend per month. Please keep in mind that this does not include medical benefits...so basically speaking take another $150.00 per month from that total, unless your employer doesn't offer benefits. If that is the case fork over $250.00 per month or suck it up and go without them.

This is just a tip Oparh (not part of your question), but you may want to rethink the Trya Banks shows where you talk about affordable fashion and show an outfit that only costs a total of $350.00 as that is half a minimum wage workers paycheck.

As for the root of your question you have absolutely nothing to worry about. There are still thousands of people who find entertainers, such as yourself, an important fixture in their life. They won't suddenly stop feeding into which celebrities are dating and which ones are pregnant. Until you see people actually coming together to voice their opinions about what the government does and how it directly affects them you will still continue to be a billionaire. When and if that happens you may want to worry about the balance of wealth within this country, but we all know there is nothing to worry about right now. We are all too preoccupied by the fear shoved down our throats everyday and the moral obligation for a "free" country to change the rest of the world's way of governing (search Project for a New American Century if you want to know more about some of the governing leaders motives on invading the countries they have recently invaded, not to mention the benefits of the oil). In all fairness though, you followed our government's standard...you either become a billionaire or become a number who is too poor to worry about what the government has done to you. The poor are too worried about how they are going to survive and the rich don't want to fall from that pedestal.

Oh, and you may want to avoid visiting these states, as their minimum wage is even higher than the substancial $5.15. Here are just a few states as there are many more: CT, PA, NY, MN. If you want to find out about more states to avoid, please go to http://www.adp.com/taxfin/toolbox/payroll/minwage.html#me

Answer 2

the Minimum wage in Oregon is $7.50. and even making more than that I have trouble paying $750.00 rent plus utilities, how can a person on federal minimum wage pay rent and utilities? afford $3plus or a gallon o gas or a car to put it in to get to that minimum wage job. maybe that is why the homeless rate is increasing. and I don't believe this is the real Oprah, She would use better grammar.
Why is the minimun wage so high?$5.15p/h! How are we so rich to make that much money when common workers want so much?
is it wrong for a common worker to want a roof over his head? a car to get to work in? or food for his family? I went to the Library for three years, once or twice a week and checked out books to read because I couldn't afford television, or electricity, of running water. I worked hard and got promotions until I could afford a house with electricity, water, and heat. common worker should at least be able to afford the basic comforts, that their bosses take for granted.

Answer 3

A somewhat serious answer:

Minimum wage jobs are not meant to support a family. They are entry level positions that allow workers to earn some money while developing the skills to move to higher paying jobs. Keep in mind that employers make decisions "on the margin." If the cost of wages goes up, an employer may be more likely to NOT hire an additional employee.

Regarding the rich - I never got a job from a poor person.

Answer 4

If Oprah's in California, the minimum wage is higher than that. Skilled workers are UNION to keep us from making minimum wage

Answer 5

That wage puts people below the poverty level. If people could make money maybe welfare would be used less. People need a living wage for the states they live in

Answer 6

Yea, n00b, it's higher than $5.15. But 5:15 is a good song.

and it's low because if it was higher, there would be more outsourcing and hiring of illegals than there already is. And, if the company decides to do neither of thise, they would raise their prices, meaning that higher minimun wage did nothing.

Answer 7

Obviously you don't work for minimum wage. It should be twice that much. paying minimum wage is less than the poverty level in the US.

Answer 8

Well "Oparh" you are stupid and shallow. On top of that, you can't even type your own name???, But... i don't earn the minimum wage so i don't know how to address your selfish question. Why don't you shave that mustache? you look like your boy toy Steadman.

Answer 9

minimum wages are different in different states

Answer 10

I have some bad news 4 u then, it went up I think it's 7.50 now.