BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Minimum wage has risen in many states as we begin the new year.
Increasing minimum wage is highly debated with supporters believing a higher income helps workers afford basic living costs.
Critics argue higher wages may cause the cost of living to increase or result in job losses as employers can no longer affording to pay their employees.
California State University Bakersfield Associate Professor of Economics Richard Gearhart joined ARC Bakersfield to share his insight into how this will impact the economy.