Since 2009, the minimum wage in Louisiana has remained at the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour. On January 1, 2019, twenty states increased their minimum wages, including Arkansas, a state considered

Since 2009, the minimum wage in Louisiana has remained at the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour. On January 1, 2019, twenty states increased their minimum wages, including Arkansas, a state considered comparable to Louisiana. Former Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards tried unsuccessfully to pass a bill that would raise the current minimum wage to $8.50 an hour over a couple of years. Supporters of the increase cite its positive effects. First, they believe it would lift many families out of poverty. Also, with more money in their budgets, low-wage workers would purchase more, thereby increasing sales and spurring economic growth. Finally, increases in the minimum wage may reduce the dependence on government assistance programs. On the other hand, opponents of a minimum wage increase point out possible negative effects. First, they argue that employers will cut jobs in order to meet the new requirement, causing unemployment among low-wage workers. Second, critics claim that increase