In a stunning win for the workforce, New York and California are increasing their minimum wage to $15.
The governors of each state signed legislation last Monday that will make it so that no New York or California family has to settle for the barely sufficient minimum wage of the past.

President Obama applauded the two states and their choice. He has been fighting for a raise in the minimum wage throughout the US since the start of his presidency, setting a national benchmark for $10.10.
The raise will not be implemented immediately for either state. In California, the legislation calls for a total raise by 2023, while in New York staggered wage hikes will be implemented throughout the next few years. Additionally, New York will give 12 weeks of paid family leave to all workers.
Still, excitement abounds throughout the nation about the possible implications of the raise for other states. The wage raise signals a change for the better, and creates many possibilities for national growth.
Hiking up the wages will allow families to have extra money in their pockets. Especially for families that live on one or two parents working minimum wage jobs, the extra money could go a long way.

Parents may be able to spend more time with their children and save up for things like their child’s education and their own retirement.
Additionally, the increase of wages will result in more products being sold, thus helping the economy. People who earn minimum wage and support a family generally cannot afford much food or clothing products.
They don’t go out to eat or on vacation much, but with this change more people will be able to afford a comfortable lifestyle.
Raising the minimum wage improves the standard of living for families, especially in the states of New York and California, where prices are significantly higher and the dollar cannot buy you as much as it would in other states.

For example, for what you can buy with $15 in California, you can spend around $11.8 in West Virginia. Many states would not have to raise their minimum wage to $15 exactly, but something comparable that makes life more comfortable for residents.
With the federal minimum wage currently at $7.25 an hour, the increase in the two states is more than double the amount.
It only seems reasonable for other states to follow their example and gradually raise their minimum wages as well to that comparable price.
This move towards higher salaries will serve as justice for the working Americans.

The amount of work and time most of the lower working class puts into their daily lives should be rewarded with enough money that will allow them to have a decent life.
Especially for those in America who do not have a higher education, including immigrants or high school graduates hoping to save money, $7.25 is not a sufficient amount to make a living off of, especially in an urban setting.

These individuals are aiming to build a life for themselves with little opportunities and a higher minimum wage will benefit them greatly.
Additionally, students looking to pay their way through college or workers in between jobs would find it much easier to stay out of debt with a higher salary.
Even high schoolers get jobs for spending money, gas money, or to save up for their future. Most students don’t have much time to work, so they could maximize their earnings with a more reasonable wage.

“Working minimum wage made it difficult for me to save up,” junior Yuki Zheng said. “Especially because I am trying to prepare for college.”