Although an order of McNuggets might cost more than a buck now , the truth is that the Dollar Menu was never a bargain . Jack Temple : Fast - food companies push some of their low pay onto taxpayers . Temple : McDonald 's tip line told worker , a mom , to apply for food stamps , too . Low wages at 10 largest fast - food firms cost taxpayers $ 1 billion each year , he says . Temple : It would be a real value to all if fast food workers got higher wages and benefits .
Jack Temple : Fast - food companies push some of their low pay onto taxpayers . Temple : McDonald 's tip line told worker , a mom , to apply for food stamps , too . Low wages at 10 largest fast - food firms cost taxpayers $ 1 billion each year , he says . Temple : It would be a real value to all if fast food workers got higher wages and benefits .