50 years ago today, Lyndon B. Johnson announced a War on Poverty in his first State of the Union address. Today we’re fighting to raise the minimum wage as part of an effort to continue that legacy.
One funny part of watching journalists cover the minimum wage debate is that they often have to try and referee cutting-edge econometric debates. Some studies, notably those lead by UMass Amherst economist Arin Dube, argue that there are no adverse employment effects from small increases in the minimum wage. Other studies, notably those lead by University of California Irvine economist David Neumark, argue there is an adverse effect. Whatever can we conclude? Read the Story »