By Kyle Richardson |Staff Writer|
Just call us the “burger flipping” generation.
Recently, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill that will increase state minimum wage to $15 by 2022.
In my opinion, this is not one of California’s smartest ideas.
It is a statement to our generation that you can try to live off of low income jobs now.
“It is teaching people that it is basically okay to not get a college education,” said student Cooper Jameson.
The increase will be gradual as the new year passes, as there will be a 50 cent increase, another 50 cents in 2018, and then a dollar a year through 2022, according to the LA Times.
It is believed that the economy can experience sustainable growth with the wage increase through the years.
But what is the point of the gradual increase to grow with the inflation if prices will rise regardless?
In 2022, once the $15 is in full effect, prices will be higher and people will be asking for more money again.
The LA Times reported that Gov. Brown has the power to temporarily block initial increase in certain retails.
“Temporarily” is not going to help forever.
This is just going to be a never ending cycle of asking for more money.
Those who are calling for the raise in the minimum wage are those who work for minimum wage.
It is not the young 16 to 22-year-olds who should be working for minimum wage, but those who are looking to support their families.
I do believe that those who are working in fields such as construction work and temp positions really need the raise.
However, I question the raise for those who work at jobs that were structured to be temporary, like fast food restaurants, which has resulted in an expectation to be paid the same as those that are in a higher profession.
A job at fast food restaurants were initially made for those who were in high school or those who just exited high school.
It is to help those who are just entering the workforce—not those looking for a career.
That’s where the line should be drawn.
I believe there should be a line drawn for entry level jobs and career jobs.
I understand that it is hard to find a job, but as a full time student and full- time employee, I have managed to juggle both.
At 18, I entered the workforce at a restaurant, making minimum wage.
Today, I work at the same place, making more than minimum wage while being able to afford to pay for my own education, as well as other bills.
I question the effort of the people asking for minimum wage increase.
You get back what you put in.
Our generation today wants handouts—nobody seems to want to work hard for anything.
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