The federal government and all states have a minimum wage. Asshown in the documentary "Two American Families," many Americanworkers struggle to find a job that pays them much above minimumwage and...

The federal government and all states have a minimum wage. As shown in the documentary "Two American Families," many American workers struggle to find a job that pays them much above minimum wage and that allows them to live a comfortable life. This is in stark contrast with 20-30 years ago, when these same workers were employed in good paying jobs that allowed them a comfortable lifestyle, often with only one salary rather than the dual salaries that most families now require.

A job that pays minimum wage does not provide a living wage. Should employers be required to pay a living wage rather than a minimum wage? Why or why not? What do you think would be most helpful to alleviate the problem of poverty and the working poor, whether at a governmental (federal, state or local), community or employer level?