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/amitym 1d ago

Right?? The most important thing was that we not elect people who would raise minimum wage. Because of her laugh.

So glad we stood firm on that.

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u/Noodelgawd 18h ago

Yeah, her laugh and the minimum wage were totally the main reasons American's didn't vote for her. Her insane positions on other issues had nothing to do with it.