ListNook

mosswick Mar 29, 2026 +315

$15 an hour on a 40-hour work week is $31k a year before taxes. And yet conservatives still think that kinda money is living the life of luxury in the year 2026.

315

medicated_in_PHL Mar 30, 2026 +62

It’s just so that they can deflect from the fact that their party leaders and their cronies are making $15,000 an hour.

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LallanasPajamaz Mar 30, 2026 +1

They don’t think it’s a luxury. They think you don’t deserve a bare minimum because if you struggle it’s your fault for not doing life “correctly” and you should suffer and either fix it or die. Growing up in the south, social Darwinism and utilitarianism are the basic principles of approaching everything. They will, however, use logic like “if you raise minimum wage then everything else will rise.” It’s a mask to cover willful ignorance that they use to justify poor people suffering and dying because “they didn’t do life the right way” in some capacity. That’s why they always say shit like “you should’ve went to trade school. Should’ve gotten a different degree. Should’ve bought different groceries. Should’ve moved to a different area.” But never for themselves. Then they hide behind “God’s mysterious plan” as a cope and so that they don’t bear any personal responsibility for the issues other people face in society.

1

CSAtWitsEnd Mar 30, 2026 +1

Literally the fact that people are against a "living wage" is crazy. Like...the response is always "get a better job" as if there's an infinite amount of livable-wage paying jobs out there, and also like...they're presumably interacting with people getting paid below a living wage in their lives, so they expect the work to be done, but don't think the person doing it has a right to live. Crazy.

1

RedditTrespasser Mar 30, 2026 +1

The boomers that decried the idea of “burger flippers” earning a livable wage as absurd are the very same boomers that are indignantly offended that they have to use touch screens and self-checkout nowadays because “it’s somebody’s job to serve me”. The venn diagram is a flat circle. They’re in for a very rude awakening in the coming years as the price of produce explodes because all the immigrants they voted to round up were filling jobs that no well-fed American is going to do for minimum wage. Working a field or orchard is hard, backbreaking work, in the hot sun, all day every day. Farmers had subsidized this labor by employing immigrants whom didn’t speak English and couldn’t hold down a basic job elsewhere, and who they could blackmail or otherwise extort into accepting sub-minimum wages. Those farmers are *not* going to be willing to pay much above minimum wage for that same labor now, and American citizens whom speak English perfectly well and can’t be intimidated with threats of deportation are *not* going to work those jobs for minimum wage when they can work entry level retail in an air conditioned building for the same pay instead. We’re going to hear lots of boomer bitching, all about choices they themselves made.

1

Beantown-Jack Mar 30, 2026 +22

I got my first job in PA at thirteen in 1974. I made $1.75 an hour minus 15 cents for food. On the other hand, my parents had just bought a brand new four bedroom, two car garage house for $30,000. In Boston, a room in a shared apartment now goes for at least $18,000 a year—more than half as much as the total cost of our house. A two bedroom rental is more for one year than my parent’s house was in total.

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PeterMus Mar 30, 2026 +1

Republicans led to the charge to define refrigerators and microwaves as luxury items...

1

FairReason Mar 30, 2026 +1

Don’t forget they also want to pay people with mental disabilities less than minimum wage.

1

stitchface66 Mar 30, 2026 +1

i think the majority of politicians across the board understand this is unlivable. they havent done anything about it for decades because theyre there on behalf of their donors/corporate handlers.

1

Corlegan Mar 30, 2026 +1

At least this will make entry level jobs less likely. Especially in the middle of PA. Outsourcing or hiring undocumented will help keep the train rolling. If you worry about this "hike", don't. It will just help you reduce costs. If you think it will make your life better, wait, watch and learn.

1

Existing-Tough-6517 Mar 30, 2026 +1

This isn't how minimum wage increases has worked anywhere in the US. In general most jobs even bullshit jobs create nearly as much demand because the full cost of goods and services rendered is hardly driven entirely by labor in the first place. Imagine your company pays 30% of its costs paying A: 14.00 hour B 14.50 hour C: 14 hour C: 18 hour D: 18 hour Because you already had to pay above minimum to get non-drug addicts who show up to work your actual increase was much lower than the actual change in the minimum wage. In this example you went from paying an average of 15.7 to 16.2 a 3% increase in costs or a 1% increase in total costs. If you raise your price by 1% you will find your demand curve mostly unchanged and anyone who is going to hire illegals or outsource is probably already doing so. Meanwhile A B and C have a measurably better income. D and E's work didn't magically become more valuable so the result is more like a flattening than an equal raise for all. Also since the cost of goods locally went up only slightly and elsewhere not at all the cost of everything doesn't magically increase somehow to exactly match A-C's good fortune because why would it. The people who argue that minimum wage increases doesn't help poor people are like the economics version of flat earthers. They don't bother to do the math.

1

Corlegan Mar 30, 2026 +1

CA and NY have some of the highest minimum wages. They are also states with the worst income inequality. Coincidentally losing tax base. A to B notwithstanding you can C the facts.

1

Complex_Active_5248 Mar 29, 2026 +127

Minimum wage needs to be indexed so it's not a perpetual issue.

127

Prior_Coyote_4376 Mar 30, 2026 +34

I came in this section just to say this. It is not good enough to raise it. Indexing the minimum wage is arguably more important than any single push to raise it, so it should be a priority.

34

FrogsOnALog Mar 30, 2026 -1

That could have been a thing but unfortunately your boy didn’t want to compromise with $11 indexed… https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/02/23/unacceptable-progressives-reject-manchin-plan-cut-15-minimum-wage-proposal-11

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Deodorized Mar 30, 2026 +1

$11/h isn't enough to survive, and indexing it to inflation *starting from $11/h* is only guaranteeing that wages remain unlivable for a very long time. But, you knew that already, you're not here for an actual conversation.

1

aslan_is_on_the_move Mar 30, 2026 +1

After the parliamentarian said a minimum wage hike couldn't be passed through reconciliation any raise would require Republican votes. A 15 dollar wage wouldn't get any Republican votes, especially pushed by Sanders. The Manchin/Sinema proposal had a chance and would have improved people's lives, but Sanders refused to back a bill that might actually pass

1

FrogsOnALog Mar 30, 2026 +1

> Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, however, remained staunch in their stances on Tuesday that they would rather have $11 an hour be the benchmark for the federal minimum wage, Politico reports. Sinema even pointed out that if the wage was raised to $11 now, and then indexed to inflation, it could be close to the $15 minimum wage goal by 2024 — even as she continues to defend her vote against the proposal in the stimulus. https://truthout.org/articles/sanders-is-calling-out-centrists-on-simple-moral-issue-of-minimum-wage/ Could be $15+ right now but it’s still stuck at $7.25, whoops!

1

Existing-Tough-6517 Mar 30, 2026 +1

Many of the places especially those with higher costs got their own increases whilst only red states use the federal minimum at this point. I don't care about how the enemy gets along.

1

Jujubatron Mar 30, 2026 +1

Indexing it is exactly what makes it a perpetual issue.

1

koosley Mar 30, 2026 +1

It is for some of us. Minnesota adjusts every year based on inflation. Our minimum wage in Minneapolis is also within a few cents of a living wage based on 2 adults and zero dependents. Not perfect but miles ahead of those states with no such laws.

1

FrogsOnALog Mar 30, 2026 -13

Manchin and Sinema wanted to raise it to $11 and index it to inflation but that was never good enough for a certain someone (Bernie)… https://thehill.com/homenews/sunday-talk-shows/541995-manchin-every-member-of-the-senate-thinks-minimum-wage-should/

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[deleted] Mar 30, 2026 +10

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[deleted] Mar 30, 2026 -3

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[deleted] Mar 30, 2026 +1

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0WatcherintheWater0 Mar 30, 2026 +1

Indexed to what? All indexes can easily overestimate or underestimate things like inflation, making gradual disparities inevitable, with massive negative economic repercussions. Furthermore, why not have the minimum wage slowly become less relevant over time?

1

Devilnaht Mar 30, 2026 +1

It'll never happen, but I like the idea of setting a hard wealth ceiling at some static multiple of the minimum wage. Say, I don't know, 10 million hours' worth, about 100 lifetimes' worth of full time employment. If the rich want to hoard more wealth, make them have to raise the minimum wage. You'd see the minimum wage f****** skyrocket.

1

Devilnaht Mar 30, 2026 +29

The minimum wage is so low we functionally don’t have one. $7.25/ hour is such a shockingly low amount that basically no one will ever take such a job unless it’s out of desperation. Even then, it’s functionally a waste of time; you convert all of your working hours into moderately slowing the rate at which you’re falling further into debt. You’d be better off spending that time either looking for another job or getting more qualifications. $15/ hour is still unliveable, and all of the above still largely applies. The rich have stalled out the minimum wage for so long that $15 is still “going into debt, but maybe more slowly” for most people. It’s an insult that they think this is an accomplishment. “But surely it’s better than nothing?” Perhaps. But this feels like the classic “give people the absolute bare minimum necessary to keep things just stable enough to avoid real change”. Nobody’s going to have a good life on $15/ hour.

29

FantasyBaseballChamp Mar 30, 2026 +1

When $15/hr was introduced, it was a pipe dream. Now it’s an insult. When it actually passes, it will be an afterthought.

1

Swagtagonist Mar 29, 2026 +44

$15 is still too low. That should’ve been the min wage 10+ years ago.

44

aslan_is_on_the_move Mar 30, 2026 +18

Should it be higher? Probably. Is a $15 minimum wage far better than the current $7.25? Yes Would this improve people's lives? Yes Can this pass the Republican controlled state Senate? Maybe, though they've rejected it the last two times Could an even higher minimum wage pass the Republican controlled Senate? Probably not This is about actually trying to accomplish something and help people. If people think it should be higher, they should work to flip control of the Senate.

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FrogsOnALog Mar 30, 2026 +3

> Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, however, remained staunch in their stances on Tuesday that they would rather have $11 an hour be the benchmark for the federal minimum wage, Politico reports. Sinema even pointed out that if the wage was raised to $11 now, and then indexed to inflation, it could be close to the $15 minimum wage goal by 2024 — even as she continues to defend her vote against the proposal in the stimulus. https://truthout.org/articles/sanders-is-calling-out-centrists-on-simple-moral-issue-of-minimum-wage/ I’m so glad Bernie held at $15, thank goodness he’s not one of those milk toasties /s

3

StrDstChsr34 Mar 29, 2026 +59

25 years ago, $15 was equal to $7.50. Does anyone remember being able to live off $7.50/hr 25 years ago? No. Absolutely not possible. That was considered poverty wages. So now they’re about to increase the minimum wage back up to poverty wages. This would be hilarious if it weren’t so criminal.

59

UncleBenParking Mar 29, 2026 +16

Although PA is bluer than it tends to seem for a swing state, the state Congress chambers have pretty consistently had a Republican majority, since there's a whole lot of rural land in between the populated areas. Even ten years ago, minimum wage was still $7.25 in the state, because one chamber would just shut it down every time. It was bad enough that most companies made it a point to start at $9-10, since they wouldn't get applicants otherwise.

16

artfulpain Mar 29, 2026 +16

The senate in PA has been republican controlled since 1994. 1994!

16

PsychGuy17 Mar 30, 2026 +1

20 years ago, I worked as an EMT for $8 an hour, but lucky me, I had 4 hours of mandatory overtime 4 days a week. We ran any call 911 threw at us, it wasn't just interfacilty transport. Five years on wages like that, seeing people on the worst days of their life, that was an experience to be had. I can't recommend it.

1

TiberiusCornelius Mar 30, 2026 +1

Unfortunately Republicans control the state Senate and will probably kill the bill. They have done it before. But good on them for at least trying instead of just rolling over.

1

CoachDT Mar 30, 2026 +1

Things can ALWAYS be better but that doesn't mean we should shit on progress while its happening. The people in PA have 15 and now they can say "see how this didn't cause the collapse that fear mongers said? Now we should index the minimum wage because we have actual proof that the economy will work better when everyone gets paid." I'm kinda disappointed by the weird mentality i'm seeing from a lot of folks here. Seems less like people genuinely wanting what's best for everyone and more like saboteurs trying to dampen any sort of momentum.

1

Big_Huckleberry_1740 Mar 30, 2026 +1

Lol, they don't have 15 rn. Their republican Senate hasn't voted on it yet- mind you they've voted it down like the last three years too.

1

Hyperica Mar 30, 2026 +1

I'd be thrilled with $15 cause it means I'd get a raise (as long as I don't get laid off because of it). Yippee! (It probably won't pass)

1

Kahzgul Mar 30, 2026 +10

20 years ago the fight for $15 made sense. It should be $30 now.

10

onajourney314 Mar 30, 2026 +1

Income below a certain amount should not be taxed imo.

1

Relevant-Doctor187 Mar 30, 2026 +10

15 a hour was 2010s level wages. Today that’s nothing.

10

aslan_is_on_the_move Mar 30, 2026 +1

This bill would significantly help people. Any bill has to pass the Republican controlled Pennsylvania Senate. A higher minimum wage won't pass, this might. This is about actually trying to get things done.

1

Relevant-Doctor187 Mar 30, 2026 +1

I’d like to know who’s paying less than 15 a hour. Here in Colorado many companies came in paying 20-22 a hour and forced others to compete.

1

pain-is-living Mar 30, 2026 +1

Yeah, this is what they have been doing for as long as I’ve been alive. Raise minimum wage 15 years too late, then say we should be grateful for it.

1

TheGOPisTheDeepState Mar 30, 2026 +4

Not a livable wage

4

strangelystrangled Mar 30, 2026 +3

*cries in $7.25 minimum wage*

3

saiyanscaris Mar 29, 2026 +10

15 dollars minimum wage in this day and age will get us barely anything

10

specialkk77 Mar 30, 2026 +3

The fight for 15 has gone for so long that it’s more like fight for 25

3

odarkshineo Mar 30, 2026 +5

That was the goal before this massive inflation both parties have been supporting. I imagine that needs to be up at 20 or 25 now.

5

Wildpony03 Mar 29, 2026 +4

This is what happens when you don't raise the minimum wage for so long. People buy less, businesses make less money so the only way to turn a profit is to be in the business of nessescaity (Food,retail,nursing,childcare) or be a government contractor. Now we have to raise the wage to 30 dollars to make life barely affordable. It really shows people in congress back then in 2009 and now don't have any foresight.

4

Gay_Giraffe_1773 Mar 29, 2026 +6

15 an hour aint shit

6

isekai_cheese Mar 30, 2026 +1

the federal min wage at 7 is kind of criminal.

1

Wolfman01a Mar 30, 2026 +2

It's too late. $15 isn't enough. They fucked around for too many years.

2

foreverabatman Mar 30, 2026 +1

Just a decade too late

1

DragonTHC Mar 30, 2026 +1

A $20 minimum wage is cutting it real close these days.

1

angryapplepanda Mar 30, 2026 +1

It's been $15 on the west coast for years now. This is still unacceptable. $15 an hour is not a living wage. It is a pittance in 2026. Wages haven't been consistent with inflation in many decades, and the problem will only get worse unless politicians decide to address the issue with real solutions that help people *now*. I want to gouge out my eyes every time I see Trump bragging about no taxes on tips. He acts as if he has solved the affordability crisis. You know what will help solve the affordability crisis? Let's start with a comprehensive wealth tax. Too much money is sequestered at the top, effectively neutralized out of our economy, while the poor continue to lose upward mobility. Billionaires sit on cash as if it is the physical foundation supporting their multiple estates, cash that is kept and worn about like a priceless fur of pure ego. Billionaires make bets with each other on whom might become the first trillionaire. This is culturally unsustainable.

1

irespondwithmyface Mar 30, 2026 +1

Yah, you're like 15 years behind at this point. I guess it's something...

1

Matman161 Mar 30, 2026 +1

The fight for $15 is well past its sell by date, we need to start aiming a lot higher

1

Floreat_democratia Mar 30, 2026 +1

$15 minimum wage would have been nice...20 years ago. These people are once again stuck in the past. Various analyses show that the minimum wage would be way over $30 per hour at this point. Yet, people keep trying to deny reality. Let's also not forget how out of touch with reality these politicians really are. Most have no idea what rent costs, or how much healthcare people pay, or what the prices of groceries are in the store. Our laws are written by corporatized candidates who follow talking points given to them by entire industries. None of these people represent the interests of 90% of Americans.

1

BlitzNeko Mar 30, 2026 +1

I’ve heard living in Pennsylvania is more expensive than living in the surrounding states. $15 ain’t shit.

1

aslan_is_on_the_move Mar 30, 2026 +1

Any bill has to pass the Republican Senate. This has a chance of passing. A higher minimum wage has no chance. This is about actually getting something done that would drastically improve people's lives.

1

shinra_soldiers Mar 29, 2026 -11

Hey, so he can actually talk about things other than Israel! Let’s see how long that lasts though

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Thrown_Account_ Mar 29, 2026 +6

It still has to pass a Republican controlled senate

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Pa. House votes in favor of $15 minimum wage; Shapiro endorses bill

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