The Living Wage by the Numbers

At the 10th anniversary of welfare reform, Congress is now engaged in a debate about how best to help the working poor. At the federal level, there is much discussion about whether an increase in the minimum wage would be the best approach. Meanwhile, at the state level, ten states have increased their minimum wage this year and six more have wage initiatives on their ballots this November. Many states and municipalities have gone ahead and instituted these “living wage” ordinances with hopes of raising the living standards of some of their most vulnerable families. Others, including the District of Columbia, are still considering it.

However, there remains concern about whether the costs of these ordinances outweigh their value. Just last week, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley used his veto power for the first time in his 17-year tenure to reject a living wage ordinance. Is the living wage a life-safer or a job-killer?

Dr. Robert Strauss from Carnegie Mellon University has conducted an in-depth study of living wage ordinances. At this New America event, Strauss — along with prominent thought leaders from both the left and right — discussed the impact of the living wage.

Participants

• Robert P. Strauss
  Professor of Economics and Public Policy, H. John Heinz III School of Public Policy and Management, Carnegie Mellon University
• Dr. Wendell Primus
  Senior Policy Advisor, Office of House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
• Dr. Tim Kane
  Director, Center for International Trade and Economics, Heritage Foundation
• David Gray
  Director, Workforce and Family Program, New America Foundation