Young People Deserve The New Florida $15 Minimum Wage Too
A Republican politician has come after young people’s livelihoods. What’s new?
State Senator Jeff Brandes has proposed a bill that would establish a constitutional amendment that would prevent people under 21 years of age, among numerous groups, from enjoying the new $15 an hour minimum wage increase.
Last November, by a margin of 60% of the vote, Floridians approved a measure that will increase the state’s minimum wage. The wage increase begins this year on September 30th, when the minimum wage will be raised to $10. It increases by one dollar each year until it gets to $15 an hour by 2026. Brandes’s bill would establish a reduced minimum wage for “… employees convicted of a felony, for employees under 21 years of age, and for other hard-to-hire employees.”
Felons who’ve served their time in prison and people under 21 years of age who work minimum wage jobs should be paid at least $15 an hour. Singling them out is absurd. For the purposes of this op-ed, I will focus on the economic plight of young people. As a 25-year-old, I believe it is totally wrong to prevent young folks from making a living wage. If you work, you should be paid a good wage for your labor. This principle does not discriminate based on age.
Floridians under 21 need money, just like everyone else in this tough economy. You would think this would be commonly understood but apparently Senator Brandes doesn’t. Often, young people’s paychecks are critical to ensuring entire households can make ends meet. This fact alone impacts the welfare of people of all ages. In such a financially tight household, parents depend on their children making money in order to keep a roof over their head. With a $15 hourly wage, more money would come through the door, helping everyone in that house stay afloat.
Low-income youth need this new wage increase. 17% of Floridians under the age of 18 make incomes that put them under the poverty line. The poverty line is defined as having an annual income of “$25,926 for a family of four.” Also, with college costs rising, young folks need the money to pay for tuition.
Why is Senator Brandes trying to punch holes into a constitutional amendment the people of Florida overwhelmingly approved? Why is Senator Brandes taking all this time and effort to exclude young people from having a higher standard of living?
This flagrant attack on young people’s economic welfare is outrageous. The $15 minimum wage increase was put in place by Florida voters because they understood current wages are not enough. I believe in raising the standard of living of all people. I believe in inclusion and therefore we should leave the constitutional amendment how it is: applicable to all Florida minimum wage employees.
