The current federal minimum wage for covered nonexempt employees is $7.25 per hour since July 24th, 2009, which is about $15,000 per year.

In 1968, the minimum wage was $1.60 per hour, but adjusted for inflation it is $8.54 per hour, which is about $17,000 per year. Although the work productivity has increased over the years, the minimum wage has actually decreased. If the minimum wage grew at the same rate as the work productivity, it would be $21.72 per hour by 2012.

Instead of the federal government taking action to change the minimum wage, 30 out of the 50 states have already raised their own minimum wages. California authorized $15 per hour minimum wage, followed by New York. By raising the minimum wage for the middle class, the purchasing power and demand can continue to stimulate the economy. With organizations like $15 and fairness as well as Fight for $15, states from all across the country are assembling to go on strikes and protests.

According to the Pew Research Center (http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/01/04/5-...) there is still a lot of divisive debate amongst U.S. citizens about whether the minimum wage should stay the same or be raised. Hopefully the country will come to a consensus on increasing the minimum wage so that a majority of the population (approximately 20.6 million people) will have better living standards.