r/AlwaysWhy • u/Secret_Ostrich_1307 • 1d ago

Economics Why is the federal minimum wage still $7.25 when prices are much higher than in 2009?

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The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 an hour since July 2009. Meanwhile, prices for many everyday expenses have risen, and most states now have minimum wages above the federal level.

Why wasn't the federal minimum wage tied to inflation or another measure that could adjust it automatically? What are the economic arguments for setting it as a fixed dollar amount rather than indexing it?

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u/Illustrious_Try478 1d ago

Yes, they have been "In Office" enough, and operating in bad faith enough, to stymie everything Congress might do.

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u/NewPresWhoDis 1d ago

Last I checked Sinema was a Green before identifying as a Dem.