I am unsure of which step to take first for this problem, so just a little guidance would be helpful.

44.) Federal Minimum Wage.

You are listening to an argument in which Paul claims that the minimum wage has never been higher, because it has been rising for the past 70 years. Paula counters that the minimum wage actually needs to be increased, because it has been decreasing almost consistently since 1968. Based on the data in the minimum wage table, write a one-paragraph explanation of each argument. Which argument do you think is stronger? Why?

Question

I am unsure of which step to take first for this problem, so just a little guidance would be helpful.

44.) Federal Minimum Wage.

You are listening to an argument in which Paul claims that the minimum wage has never been higher, because it has been rising for the past 70 years. Paula counters that the minimum wage actually needs to be increased, because it has been decreasing almost consistently since 1968. Based on the data in the minimum wage table, write a one-paragraph explanation of each argument. Which argument do you think is stronger? Why?

anonymous · Answer

Here is the minimum wage table -

tkhunny · Answer

You had better start talking!  Please disparage the idea that you get to count inflation in your claim that ANYTHING is increasing steadily.

anonymous · Answer

So far, I am thinking that Paul's argument is based on the fact that the actual prices have increased over the last 70 years, whereas Paula is using 1996 dollars as her reference. I would think Paula's argument is stronger, because it's looking at one year's price comparisons. Just looking at the overall actual prices doesn't account for inflation. Anyone know if I'm on the right track?

tkhunny · Answer

Yes.  Failing to account for inflation is no good.

anonymous · Answer

Great! thank you!