Possibility of Minimum Wage Increase

Several reports suggest President Obama is considering using an executive order to raise the minimum wage for federal contractors. It could be seen as a step toward putting pressure on Congress to raise the federal minimum wage for all workers. U-S Senator Carl Levin of Michigan says he believes there will be an increase in the federal minimum wage. Many business organizations oppose the idea however. Rob Fowler of the Small Business Association of Michigan not only opposes an increase, he opposes the idea of government setting wages, saying the marketplace should decide.

Labor organizations have argued that the minimum wage helps support both the middle class and the U-S economy. Under the current proposal, the minimum wage would increase from today’s $7.25 per hour to $8.20 the first year, to $9.15 the second and to $10.10 the third year.