In 2024, there is still an ongoing debate surrounding the average minimum wage in the United States and the state of California. It has been a discussion in government agencies for years now, especially here in Los Angeles County.

There are usually two sides to the argument. On one side, they say that it is too low of a wage for people to live comfortably in the state.  On the other side, some say it is too high now and should be lowered to a smaller amount. I stand on the ‘minimum wage is not enough’ side.

The facts and information are this: In Los Angeles, the minimum wage is about $16 per hour, but beginning on April 1, fast food workers will see an increase to nearly $20 an hour. The wage will also increase for Healthcare Facility workers starting on June 1, 2024.

There is a reason why the minimum wage here is higher than in other states. The reason is that in 2016, labor groups and unions started campaigning to increase wages which resulted in former governor Jerry Brown signing a law that led to the $15 minimum wage.  It has since then increased with the inclusion of inflation adjustments.

Most people I have talked to regarding the subject of minimum wage in the state have expressed disappointment.  With a few people saying that they are fine with the amount in question. Birmingham student Julian Rios (12) said this when asked how he feels about the minimum wage: “I feel like the minimum wage should get you the bare essentials in regards to living while giving you extra to spend or save on whatever. With the current minimum wage, it isn’t providing that as well as it should.” Los Angeles native Mario said, “I feel fine with the minimum wage, but I chalk that up to having friends and family to support me–if I didn’t have them, I think I would be angrier.”

I believe that the minimum wage is not enough to live comfortably, even when Los Angeles has one of the highest minimum wages in the country. Many people are still living paycheck to paycheck.  Numerous citizens do not have enough money to provide shelter and food for themselves, their families, and those around them, let alone have any extra money for entertainment and non-essential items.

I feel like inflation is hitting more people financially than most people can take. In addition, with the growing layoffs and concerns of automation and AI taking jobs, this is not a good sign for both the state and the country in my opinion.