The Glow Up Act

Written By: Lizzie Scabilloni and Ashlea Eaton

Fahad Jahangir, a Senior from the East Shore YMCA delegation, proposed his bill on lowering the state minimum wage to $0.01. Jahangir explained that even though this may seem like the opposite of what is currently needed, the effects of higher minimum wages are not beneficial. When the minimum wage is lowered, it allows private businesses to pay employees fairly. Having a higher minimum wage causes young and lower-class people who are searching for jobs to be unable to progress in their career. He said that the best way to combat this issue is by lowering the minimum wage. Even if changing the wage to one cent seems radical, he believes it is the best way to help the Commonwealth tackle many financial and economic issues.  

One thing that Jahangir brought up is that a lot of people do not understand the economic side of his bill. He hopes to do his best to explain it when it is questioned. Jahangir said that a bill like his is one that can keep him on his toes. He continued by saying that one must always consider the research and debate involved with a bill like his.

A bill like Jahangir’s may seem like one without reasoning, but upon further investigation, it can be seen as one with the intent to spark debate among delegates, which ultimately enhances the purpose of Youth and Government.