Your argument in favor of State Representative Dan Winsow's argument for
exempting young people from an increase in the minimum wage is flawed
(Raise the minimum wage, but exempt summer jobs for teens. Boston Globe,
June 17, 2013: A12).
The assumption is that these young people are working for pocket
money. However, these young people may well be working in order to
pay for or save for a college education. According to the College Board
the average amount (in constant dollars) actually paid (after taking
into account scholarship support) has increased 29% at Public 4-year
Colleges (and almost 26% at Private 4-year Colleges) over the past 10
years.
Over the same period, the value of the Federal minimum wage has
eroded from being worth $4.75 in 1996 to being worth $4.04 in 2006 -- a
decline of almost 15%.
To maintain the affordability of College, we should include teens in the raised minimum wage.
Sent to Boston Globe
