Blog #6 : Comment on Increase USA Minimum Wage.

          I totally agree with the M. Kristina's point over increasing USA minimum wage in the blog Increase USA Minimum Wage. As the federal minimum wage was introduced in 1938 during the Great Depression under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It was initially set as $0.25 per hour and has been increased by Congress 22 times, recently in 2009 when it went from $6.55 to $7.25 an hour. Proponents of a higher minimum wage state that the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour is too low for anyone to live on; that a higher minimum wage will help create jobs and grow the economy; that the declining value of the minimum wage is one of the primary causes of wage inequality between low and middle-income workers; and that a majority of Americans, include a slim of majority of self-described conservatives, support increasing the minimum wage. I agree with the Kristina saying in the blog that every human's philosophical dream of having happy and successful life in U.S. can be achieved by changing our minimum wage.
             By increasing the minimum wage, there will be many benefits to the country and the people living in it. The first would be that millions of Americans would see a pay raise that could go toward meeting their basic needs and living expenses. A recent analysis by CNN was even more aggressive, implying that 5 million Americans would be lifted out of poverty at $10.10 per hour. More workers being able to pay for their basic expenses is a good thing, as it may lead to less reliance on government and state-sponsored financial aid programs. The other benefit would be extra pay in the pockets of some 16.5 million workers could trickle down to retailers and provide a boost to the economy. Since the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 raised the federal minimum wage to $7.25 an hour starting in 2009, there have been numerous unsuccessful attempts by Congress to raise the wage further. The two main efforts are the Harkin-Miller proposal to raise the wage to $10.10 nd the Living Wage Movement to raise the wage to $15. Even though some of the movement failed but, the fact is increasing U.S. minimum wage concept is thought by everyone.
            Thus, increasing the minimum wage of U.S. would help all citizens to achieve the "America Dream" and actually I agree with Kristina's commentary on Increase Minimum Wage Blog.
           

Commentary #1: Making college debt-free and taking on student debt

            In a highly competitive global economy, we need the best- educated workforce in the world. As education becomes a high priority on many people's lists and a determination factor for higher paying jobs, the one setback that can prevent anyone from obtaining a higher education is the cost of attending college. It is insane and counter-productive to the best interests of our country and our future, that thousands of bright young people cannot afford to go to college, and that millions of others leave school with a mountain of debt that burden them for decades. That shortsighted path to the future must end.
              The government should make sure that every American who studies hard in school can go to college regardless of how much money their parents make and without going deeply into debt. The government should make tuition free at public colleges and universities as high tuition fees of colleges discourage students from going to college. As last year, Germany eliminated tuition because they believed that charging $13,000 per year was discouraging German students from going to college. Finland, Norway. Sweden and many other countries around the world also offer free college to all of their citizens. If other countries can take this action, so can the United States of America. The federal government should stop making the profit from student loans instead should lower student loan interest rates. The government should provide debt relief to borrowers and should allow refinancing loans at current rates. More financial aid should be given to the low-income students to cover their room and board, books and living expenses.
             Hillary Clinton in the third presidential debate of 2016 talks about making college debt-free. In the article "Making college debt-free and taking on student debt" shows Hillary's comprehensive plan to put higher education within reach for all Americans, and take on the crisis of student debt. Every student should have the option to graduate from a public college or university in their state without taking on any student debt. According to her plan, by 2021, families with income up to $125,000 will pay no tuition at in-state four-year public colleges and universities. And from the beginning, every student from a family $85,000 a year or less will be able to go to an in-state four-year public college or university without paying tuition. States will have to step up and invest in higher education, and colleges and universities will be held accountable for the success of their students and for controlling tuition costs. According to reduce the burden for future borrowers, Hillary will significantly cut interest rates so, the government never profits from college student loans. By doing so, the students with low-income who are willing to get a higher education would be benefited. With free colleges and top notch education, it's the perfect combination and opportunity for many who are seeking a better life through higher education.