By Chris Hoenig
While hundreds of fast-food workers went on strike in an effort to raise the federal minimum wage, one of the men with the power to do so said there’s no need for a minimum wage anymore.
Congressman Joe Barton told National Journal that he would rather just get rid of it altogether. “I think it’s outlived its usefulness,” the Texas Republican said. “It may have been of some value back in the Great Depression. I would vote to repeal the minimum wage.” Barton doesn’t explain how he would help people earn a living wage, which is defined as the salary required to support yourself and your family, as the sole provider. Even in his home county, the living wage is well above the federal minimum of $7.25.
