Volunteer State News

As President Joe Biden calls for unity, the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package and a $15 minimum wage hike seem to have created a partisan battle rather than bringing both sides of the aisle together.

Republicans, including Rep. Mark Green, argue a hike in the minimum wage will hurt small businesses that are struggling amid the pandemic.

“The last thing small businesses and restaurants need after struggling to survive this pandemic is a $15/hour minimum wage requirement,” Green wrote on Twitter. “This will only drive them further into the red.”

Republicans also said that it would lead to job loss and “that states are better suited to determine wage increases,” the Politico reported.

Those who support the $15 minimum wage site reports from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) and the University of California, Berkeley. According to EPI and the university, increasing the minimum wage to $15 by 2025 would help cut government spending on public assistance programs and increase tax revenue.

“The American people strongly support raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour and I’m confident that members of the Democratic caucus are going to do the right thing,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), chair of the Senate Budget Committee.