For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. That's one of those physics laws you probably heard a teacher spew forth during a class you weren't  paying much attention to in high school. What does physics have to do with minimum wage? A lot actually. But it's in a more monetary way as opposed to materialistic reaction.

When the cost of paying employees goes up then business profits go down. That's what opponents of an increased minimum wage will tell you. When business profits go down then employees get laid off from better jobs.  It's kind of a vicious cycle but it's one that needs to be looked at because there are not a lot of people actually getting by on $7.25 an hour.

During the campaign for Governor John Bel Edwards suggested that he would support an increase in minimum wage. This has given at least a glimmer of hope to those who would like to see this  idea become a reality.

Having a governor who supports a higher minimum wage at least gives the issue a chance, but we're going to have to wait and see how it plays out once the legislature comes in and that won't be for a few more months.

That quote taken from a story published by the Louisiana Radio Network reflects the words of Jan Moller, Louisiana's Budget Project Director.

We've already reflected a bit on what opponents of a higher minimum wage are thinking, now let's take a look at what those who support the idea believe.

There are states and cities around this country that have decided to raise their minimum wage on their own and all these warnings about economic collapse and job losses just haven't come to pass.

A recent survey across the state showed that 72% of Louisiana citizens supported raising the minimum wage to at least $8.50 an hour.  Currently Louisiana has no minimum wage. Our state defaults to the Federal Minimum Wage according to law.

So what do you think? An increase in wages would mean more people with a better quality of life. An increase in minimum wage means fewer people employed because employers can't afford to  pay the extra money? It's a slippery slope for sure. You probably will want to let your state legislator know how you feel now because it's going to come up when the legislature convenes in 2016.

 

More From 97.3 The Dawg