answer the following:\n1. what argument is central to the widespread effort to raise the minimum wage?\n2…

Brief Explanations:

1. The central argument for raising the minimum - wage is often to reduce poverty and increase the standard of living for low - income workers.
2. As of July 2024, the current federal minimum wage in the United States is $7.25 per hour.
3. As of 2024, Washington state has one of the highest minimum wages in the U.S., at $16.28 per hour.
4. In the United States, the last federal minimum - wage increase was passed in 2007 and phased in over three years, reaching $7.25 per hour in 2009.
5. The number of workers earning the federal minimum wage of $7.25 in 2019 would require data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but it was a significant portion of low - wage workers.
6. People making minimum wage are often young, have less education, and work in industries like food service and retail.
7. Two bad effects of raising the minimum wage on businesses are increased labor costs, which may lead to reduced hiring or layoffs, and potential price increases to offset the higher costs.

Answer:

1. To reduce poverty and increase low - income workers' standard of living.
2. $7.25 per hour.
3. Washington state; $16.28 per hour.
4. 2009 (last increase took effect; passed in 2007).
5. Data from Bureau of Labor Statistics required.
6. Often young, have less education, work in food service/retail.
7. Increased labor costs, potential price increases.