The U.S. differs from most other countries in how it sets its minimum wage
Putting minimum wage policy in the hands of lawmakers is one of several ways in which the U.S. approach stands apart from other countries.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Putting minimum wage policy in the hands of lawmakers is one of several ways in which the U.S. approach stands apart from other countries.
About six-in-ten Americans (62%) say they favor raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, including 40% who strongly back the idea.
The $7.25 federal minimum wage is used in just 21 states, which collectively account for about 40% of all U.S. wage and salary workers.
Democrats are largely united in backing a $15 an hour federal minimum wage. Republican opinion on this issue is more divided.
Trends in public opinion are in line with Obama’s agenda: The priority given to deficit reduction has slipped somewhat, while public support for rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure has increased.
A summary of where Americans stand on ten key issues likely to come up in President Obama’s State of the Union address.
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