Answers

This is ultimately a question of economic policy and values, so reasonable people disagree — but here's the factual landscape and the main arguments on each side. The Current Gap Is Real The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 per hour since July 24, 2009, which is the longest stretch in the law's history without an update. Because it is not indexed to inflation, meaning it doesn't automaticall

This is a debated policy question—here's the evidence on both sides There's no single "correct" answer since it's a value-laden policy question, but there's substantial data and economic analysis that can inform the debate. The case for indexing minimum wage to cost of living The federal minimum wage has lost significant purchasing power. Unlike many states, the federal minimum wage is not in

This is a genuinely debated policy question, and reasonable people land on different sides. Here's a breakdown of the arguments and the relevant facts on the ground. The case for tying minimum wage to cost of living Purchasing power has eroded significantly. The U.S. federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour as of 2026, and states cannot pay less than this amount. Critically, the federal minimum w

This question sits at the intersection of policy debate and economic fact, so let me lay out both the empirical situation and the arguments on each side. The factual backdrop The U.S. federal minimum wage has not been indexed to inflation. Federal minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour since 2009, losing 30% of its purchasing power to inflation. Unlike the minimum wage in many states, the federal

This is a genuinely debated policy question with strong arguments on multiple sides. Here's a balanced overview of the evidence and arguments: The case for tying minimum wage to cost of living Purchasing power has eroded significantly. The federal minimum wage has been frozen at $7.25 since July 24, 2009, making this the longest stretch without an increase since the Fair Labor Standards Act cre