Topic Summary

The year, 2016, is a major one for the political landscape and future of the United States
in many ways. As the election begins to take shape, both sides of the political spectrum are
attempting to find ways to stimulate small business growth and help those who are
impoverished or in the middle and lower classes of our economy. Our country has a problem in
that minimum wage is not a living wage for most and living on this wage can often keep the
population in a cycle of economic struggles. If the parents of a family are working at a job
earning minimum wage, it is nearly impossible for them to take care of their family in a proper
manner. When looking for solutions, a recurring idea from the democratic side is a raise of the
minimum wage. So, I pose the question, how would a raise of the minimum wage to $15 per
hour affect those in the low and middle class looking to receive a living wage? I, as an
economics major, find this question to be interesting and extremely important. If those at the
bottom of our economic totem pole continue to drop further, our country will suffer greatly as
time passes. There have been many research projects conducted on this topic by numerous
sources stretching from those on the extreme liberal side of the argument to others who look at
the question from a conservative point of view. The problem with most of this research is that
the researchers begin their projects with preconceived notions about the issue and how this
raise would affect the people. I plan to initially delve into this project with no prior beliefs on what
the correct answer is regarding this subject and take a look at both sides equally to formulate a
definite, diversely supported answer.

Outline
How would a raise of the minimum wage to $15 per hour affect those in the low and middle
class looking to receive a living wage?
A. Introduction
1. Overview of minimum wage and current state as is
2. Authors approach to researching topic
3. Listing of all 4 sub-headings
B. First Subheading: Current situation for those living on minimum wage
1. Can anyone really live off of $7.25/hour?
2. Living conditions for these people
C. Second Subheading: Reasons for the desire for a raise in minimum wage
1. Helps the young with their economic status
2. Effects those in favor see as beneficial to economy.
D. Third Subheading: Effect of raise on job market for the lower classes
1. Will the amount of jobs decrease for these classes?
2. The effect on overall employment for those working these jobs
E. Fourth Subheading: Arguments for/against from each side
1. Show the conservative argument
2. Show the liberal argument
F. Conclusion:
1. Wrap up paper and explain my conclusion on subject

Research Timeline
Date

Completed

February 12

Proposal Completed

February 19

Establish and research 3 resources

February 26

Complete introduction

March 4

Complete subheadings

March 11

Complete subheadings

March 18

Complete conclusion and abstract

March 25

Turn in 1st draft

April 1

Write peer review and receive own

April 8

Write final draft

April 11

Turn in final paper