Study finds higher minimum wages reduced work and earnings for poorest workers

A new working paper by two academic economists found that higher minimum wages reduced employment retention, hours and earnings among low-wage workers in poor and low-income families. The study used data from October 2003 through December 2016.

The researchers said the findings showed no beneficial effects for low-wage or low-skill workers in the lowest-income families. Workers in the three lowest income groups averaged between 24.1 and 31.7 hours per week, highlighting how reduced hours can affect total income.

The federal minimum wage remains $7.25 an hour, a rate unchanged since July 2009, although many states and cities have adopted higher levels. The paper adds to a long-running academic debate over the effects of minimum wage increases.

Read the full story at freebeacon.com.