Minimum Wage Increase Prices Job Seekers Out of the Labor Market | VTDigger.org

On Jan. 1, the state minimum wage in Vermont increased by 42 cents to $9.15 per hour. Between now and 2018, the state mandated wage floor will increase another three times until it eventually reaches $10.50 per hour.

Despite the argument that a higher minimum wage is necessary to help the least fortunate, minimum wage hikes — especially to levels as high as Vermont’s future $10.50 per hour — actually threaten inexperienced, young and undereducated workers by removing current job opportunities and jeopardizing future earning potential.