Section: Social Studies

23) What is the purpose of the minimum wage?

1. To ensure that all employees have a fair and livable wage
   
2. To help companies control costs while getting the help they need
   
3. To ensure that employees can pay for healthcare needs
   
4. To aid employees in purchasing power

The wage was designed to give workers enough money to live on, whether that meant purchasing power, paying bills, or saving for retirement. While it doesn't quite serve that purpose any more, that was the original intent. It was never intended as a mode of increasing profits, or dealing only with healthcare and spending.