I) It has been a very difficult couple of years for most consumers. One option is to help the economy get back to where we are used to seeing is raising the minimum wage. A) Due to the current economic situation, many consumers are having a difficult time purchasing products they need. Consumers cannot save money since the cost of living has increased drastically. Consumers need additional funds and the government is perhaps their best hope to receive that. B) Raising the minimum wage for employees has far more advantages, especially during a time like this, then keeping the minimum wage static.

II) One of the reasons that raising the minimum wage is critical is because the cost of living has increased. C) The neglect of increasing the minimum wages over the past 10 years has caused numerous families to suffer into poverty level. Due to the cost of living increasing, more and more families have had to find alternative ways to live a normal life. These challenges over time become more and more difficult and it is becoming too common in our society. D) Most families in large cities need about $30,000-40,000 annual income for bills and necessities alone. This often times can be accomplished if the economy is well and jobs are available. However, due to job troubles and many businesses laying-off employees, there does not seem to be enough money available to pay these residents to earn what is necessary.

III) Many people would benefit from a raise in minimum wage. It would benefit taxpayers, poor families, as well as businesses. E) The group it would benefit the most are the poor families. The families who struggle to pay their bills or even rent at times could certainly use a bump in their hourly rate. Although a quarter or even fifty cents will not make them live the luxurious life, each penny can go a long way for such