Economy
A Higher Minimum Wage Could Lower Recidivism
New research shows that boosting paychecks could help people stay out of jail.
On Tuesday, Amazon announced that it would be raising the minimum wage of all its workers—including temps—to $15 an hour. And it also urged the federal government to do the same.
The move was variously hailed as a PR masterstroke, a ploy to fend off its employees’ unionization efforts, and a political win for Bernie Sanders. But one thing it definitely accomplished: It has raised the stakes on the debate over raising the minimum wage, with supporters and critics listing what they see as the benefits or threats of a national $15 wage.