The Dream of Fifteen: How a Progressive Idea Paved Its Way Into the Forefront of American Policy
A federal minimum wage increase is more than likely to come in a matter of time. The question among Congress members is, to what extent and how fast? Progressives have their own idea.
Illustration by Amanda O'Brien
It’s been more than a year since the COVID-19 pandemic made its presence known in the U.S., and many Americans are still struggling to deal with the economic aftermath. Progressives have long pushed for a $15 federal minimum wage, and they believe the idea is more important now than it ever has been— but others have raised questions about the effect a wage increase would have on the country. Is $15 a fix-all policy, or will it hurt the economy?
Supporters of the $15 minimum wage experienced a glimmer of hope in January when President Biden introduced a massive $1.9-trillion COVID-19 relief package into Congress. A key proposal in Biden’s initial plan included a federal minimum wage increase to $15 an hour.
Their hope was short-lived, however.&...
