A $50 Per Hour Minimum Wage?
Proposed by a Democratic lawmaker in California, the idea seems outrageous at first glance. But is it?
In a bold move that has ignited heated debates across the political spectrum, a Democrat lawmaker has proposed a $50 per hour minimum wage law.
California Democrat and Senate candidate Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) voiced the controversial policy proposal during a recent debate. The former Oakland mayor’s proposal was met with skepticism and derision, even from fellow Democrats.
“Why not $500 per hour?” tweeted Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) derisively.
“Rep. Barbara Lee in California Senate race says minimum wage should be raised to $50,” reported Kinsey Crowley and Kathryn Palmer for USA Today on February 15, 2024.
“In a broadcast of the debate published by KTLA 5, Moderator Nikki Laurenzo asked Lee about her proposal for a $50 an hour federal minimum wage, pointing out that the federal minimum wage is $7.25,” wrote Crowley and Palmer. “The other candidates called for $20-$25 an hour for minimum wage, Laurenzo said.”
“Can you explain how that would be economically sustainable for small businesses?” the debate moderator asked Rep. Lee.
After mentioning that she ran a small business for over a decade, Lee clarified her remarks.