Report finds wage increases do not relate to drops in teen employment

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Report finds wage increases do not relate to drops in teen employment   The economic security of lower income working families often depends not only on wages earned by parents, but also of working teens. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center's new report, "Teens, Employment, and the Minimum Wage," finds that working teens in families with total incomes of less than $47,000 often bring in a significant share of their family income -- almost 18 percent.   In addition to family necessities, many teens also face rising costs for college. 35.3 percent of recent high school graduates enrolled in college are also working. Studies have found, however, that students who work more than 20 hours a week tend to get lower grades and are less likely to graduate. The most rigorous economic studies have found minimum wage increases have little or no effect on employment rates. To read the full report, click here. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108