A $15 per hour minimum wage has become a national U.S. rallying cry from workers seeking middle-class security. But while double the current minimum, $15 has its own limitations — and risks uncontemplated social consequences.
Why it matters: A $15 wage may be enough to buy a small home in some parts of the U.S., and will increase the living standards of millions of Americans. But what's apparent on the map above is that it is barely sufficient for a studio apartment in the big cities, and it could upset workers already earning $15 and more.
2020 presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke said on CBS' "Face the Nation" Sunday that when it comes to Trump's trade war and his latest round of aid for struggling farmers, the president is "both the arsonist who created this problem in the first place and the firefighter who wants the credit for addressing it."
President Trump tweeted after meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo Sunday that the U.S. and Japan are making "great progress" in trade negotiations. But he played down expectations of striking a deal during his visit to the Asian country.
"Great progress being made in our Trade Negotiations with Japan. Agriculture and beef heavily in play. Much will wait until after their July elections where I anticipate big numbers!"
