Raising minimum wage helps society

Re: Minimum wage hike a bad idea, by Jay Martin, Nov. 3. First, I’d like to acknowledge that Jay Martin has a point. Increasing the minimum wage will affect businesses’ bottom line. It could, in fact, force some businesses to close.

Then again, it may have the opposite effect since employees with more disposable income will spend that money, thus increasing sales and profits. His solution to excuse people making less than $30,000 from paying any income tax would be helpful to both those paying and earning minimum wage. But, is this solution fair?

For example, if you make $35,000, you have to pay taxes that are used for things like infrastructure, national security and defence, justice, old age security that we all benefit from including those making less than $30,000.

You might even be financially better off taking a $5,000 pay cut so you don’t have to pay tax. Further complicating matters, with less tax revenues governments will either have to cut back on services or increase taxes to pay for them.

The bottom line is as consumers and taxpayers, we’re going to foot the bill. If the minimum wage is not raised, more of our taxes will go to social programs. Raise the minimum wage, and you will pay more for goods and services.

Personally, I would rather see the minimum wage raised, giving people a livable income, making them taxpayers and consumers. It would improve their standard of living and increase their contribution to society.