Pay increase would boost middle class
Re “Calming an anxious middle,” Opinion, Dec. 11
With inflation continuously rising and real wages not keeping up with productivity growth, the American middle class has reason to worry. Raising the national minimum wage would allow more people to move from the low- to middle-income class. Since 1997, the minimum wage has been stuck at $5.15 while the cost of living has risen 26%, making it the longest period in U.S. history in which the minimum wage has not been adjusted.
Just as in 1997, many argue that increasing the minimum wage will bring higher inflation. However, the nation never saw inflation hikes after Congress last adjusted the minimum wage. Although it won’t solve all the problems of the shrinking middle class, it would be a tremendous boost.
JACOB W. PARTRIDGE
Saint Peter, Minn.
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