Raising The Minimum Wage in Texas

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Raising the Minimum Wage in Texas
Residents of Texas take pride in being self-sufficient and hardworking. However, Bien argues that it is a stark contrast to the fact that most Texan families and workers live below poverty levels despite being full-time employees (Bien n.p). This means that if Texas is to become a state where hard work translates to sufficiency, it will be important to increase the minimum wage from the federal baseline of $7.25.
The federal minimum wage of $7.25 was set in 2009 and since then it has been moved upwards in over 29 states to between $10.10 and $15.00 (Bien n.p). This has been largely due to the increasing cost of living which has not spared Texas either. Being the state with the highest levels of poverty, increasing the wage bill will help to improve the living standards of Texans and reduce reliance on, and the cost of state food stamp welfare programs (Hasan n.p). The $7.25 an hour wage is just not enough for families to survive on with the ever rising cost of living. Increaseing this minimum wage will directly translate to ease in burdens from high rent, improving education standards and more money to improve nutrition and thus health.
This, however, can only happen if Texas legislators agree to increase the minimum wage just like they have received raises in allowances and large pensions twice since 2009 (Hasan n.p). It is only ethical that the legislators give back to the residents of Texas by helping to improve their earning power just like they have enjoyed the privilege by passing the relevant state laws.

This is because it will lead to increased consumer spending which will, in turn, contribute to a positive rise in the states Gross Domestic Product.
It is, therefore, clear that Texas does need to increase the minimum wage from the 2009 federal recommendation of $7.25 an hour. It will lead to improved living conditions in the state by reducing the high poverty levels and increasing financial security. This is true because it reduces the burden the government has on offering aid in terms of food stamps and the dependence on such programs by residents. This will be a true reflection of the hardworking nature of Texas residents since they are receiving aid because they cannot make ends meet with the meager earnings.
Works Cited
Bien, Calily. “Raising Texas’ Minimum Wage up for Debate.” Kxan, 17 Mar. 2017, www.kxan.com/news/business/raising-texas-minimum-wage-up-for debate_20180227110145822/994840168.
Hasan, Usmaan. “Texas Should Raise the Minimum Wage to Protect Workers.” Daily Texan, 3 Apr. 2017, www.dailytexanonline.com/2017/04/03/texas-should-raise-the-minimumwage-to-protect-workers.