That large, mostly untapped, source of cheap, semi-skilled, labor

Folks laffed when I suggested letting kids drop out of school after the 8th grade and work full time.

Then Iowa moved to allow kids as young as 13 do factory work.

Today, this report about Pennsylvania moving to reduce the driving age to 15, so kids can drive themselves to work.

3 Likes

I actually believe that school should end at 10th grade. But, minimum wage should be high enough that a 16 year old could support a wife and a child in pretty lousy conditions. I.E. Drafty old rental house, used car running on may pops, two weeks vacation. Mostly used to go see Mom and Dad, or tent camping in a state park.

Cheers

Qazulight

3 Likes

Using people in the US is a past time. It should be illegal.

$7.25/hr

The minimum wage in Iowa is set to remain at $7.25/hr for 2023. Though there were some exceptions to Iowa’s minimum wage, it is the same as the federal minimum wage, which has not been adjusted since July of 2009.Jan 2, 2023

1 Like

In Montana you could always get your learning permit at 14 and a half and drivers license at 15. Most kids drove earlier than that so they could work the farms and ranches.

Andy

1 Like