During a period when no increases were made to the minimum wage as well as a period when increases were made, US employment rose. Conservatives and business groups see this as an argument against raising the wage which they believe will cause a loss of jobs. Opponents of raising the minimum wage insist that past increases have had a substantial effect in both layoffs and "disemployment" -- workers not hired who otherwise would have been. A University of Pennsylvania economist says that estimates of dire consequences for the economy by raising the minimum wage don't stand up to scrutiny. US Chamber of Commerce members say they would trim employment or delay hiring if the wage is increased. The Obama administration has said it supports increasing the federal minimum wage.
During a period when no increases were made to the minimum wage as well as a period when increases were made, US employment rose. Conservatives and business groups see this as an argument against raising the wage which they believe will cause a loss of jobs. A University of Pennsylvania economist says that estimates of dire consequences for the economy by raising the minimum wage don't stand up to scrutiny. US Chamber of Commerce members say they would trim employment or delay hiring if the wage is increased. The Obama administration has said it supports increasing the federal minimum wage.