June 2005

Raising the Minimum Wage: Good for Maryland?

Speakers: Jared Bernstein, Ph.D., Senior Economist, Economic Policy Institute; Tim Kane, Ph.D., Bradley Fellow in Labor Policy, The Heritage Foundation

Moderator: Anthony McCarthy, Political Analyst and Host of WEAA-FM’s “Daybreak” and WYPR-FM’s “News Roundup.”

Sparks flew when JOTF hosted a lively debate on the minimum wage that featured two of the country's top economists. Jared Bernstein of the liberal Economic Policy Institute argued that an increase in the minimum wage is necessary to even the economic playing field for low-wage workers. Tim Kane of the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, countered that raising the minimum wage would hurt the American economy.

• Decide for yourself: listen to an online audio recording of the debate in its entirely. (Requires free Real Player.)

In addition to Dr. Bernstein and Dr. Kane, JOTF wishes to sincerely thank Anthony McCarthy for deftly moderating the debate; and the Jacob France Institute, for generously providing space.

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