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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 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 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