U.S. Economists Reject $30 Minimum Wage Push as 96% Oppose Rates Above $20

2 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 12

More than 160 U.S. economists surveyed by the Employment Policies Institute overwhelmingly opposed steep federal minimum-wage hikes, with 96% rejecting proposals above $20 an hour and warning a $30 target could backfire.
Up to 95% said higher wage floors above $20 would cut youth job opportunities, while 98% said small businesses would struggle to stay afloat and restaurants and hospitality could be hit especially hard.
Up to 97% predicted faster automation as employers replace worker tasks, and 84% said consumers would face higher prices for goods and services.
The findings challenge a push by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other progressives to lift the federal minimum wage well above the current $7.25, which has been unchanged since 2009.
Economists surveyed also questioned whether large mandated hikes would deliver meaningful net wage gains, pointing instead to alternatives such as earned income tax credits and other wage-support programs.

Could a higher minimum wage actually harm the poorest workers by accelerating job automation and price increases?

When experts disagree on wage hikes, whose data should policymakers trust: industry-backed surveys or academic studies?

Are tax credits a better way to boost worker income than forcing businesses to pay higher wages?