Washington, D.C. — Today, the Center for American Progress released a new infographic detailing the positive effect that raising the minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $10.10 per hour would have on workers of color. Raising the minimum wage is an important step to ensure that the economy works for everyone, reduce the earnings gap, and help lift people out of poverty. It will provide all Americans who work hard with the opportunity to get ahead while giving the economy a needed boost.
Workers of color would benefit greatly from raising the minimum wage. Nationally, more than 12 million black, Asian, and Hispanic workers would see their wages rise by $16.1 billion:
- Asian workers would see a boost of $2.4 billion.
- Black workers would collectively gain $5.2 billion.
- Hispanic workers would add a total of $8.5 billion to their wages.
A significant number of people of color would be lifted out of poverty if the minimum wage were raised to $10.10. A minimum-wage increase would also reduce government spending because fewer people would rely on programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, saving $46 million over 10 years.
The national wage data are calculated based on Economic Policy Institute estimates for the 2013 effect of raising the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 per hour. The data examine the effect for all workers, not just workers making exactly $7.25. If the minimum wage were raised to $10.10, many workers making above the minimum wage would also see wage increases.
See the infographic here.
To speak with an expert, contact Tanya S. Arditi at [email protected] or 202.471.6258.