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High mandated minimum wages will throw people out of work…

“High mandated minimum wages will throw people out of work and onto the welfare rolls in cases where unemployment benefits exist. When it comes to welfare payments, they obey the laws of economics, too. Indeed, if something - like unemployment - is subsidized, more of it will be produced.” quote by Steve Hanke
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“High mandated minimum wages will throw people out of work and onto the welfare rolls in cases where unemployment benefits exist. When it comes to welfare payments, they obey the laws of economics, too. Indeed, if something - like unemployment - is subsidized, more of it will be produced.”

Steve Hanke

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Higher minimum wages can increase unemployment if benefits already exist, because subsidizing labor reduces job demand.

In simple terms: Raising wages may cause job loss when benefits are present.

Key Takeaway

Consider wage‑benefit balance.

Themes

economics labor markets policy welfare unemployment

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

policy economic

When to use this quote

  • government policy debates
  • business hiring decisions
  • social safety net design

Key Concepts

Subsidy effect elasticity incentive structures

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do wage hikes affect low‑skill employment?
  • Can targeted subsidies replace minimum wage policies?
A Different Perspective

If wages are too high, businesses may cut jobs despite intentions to help workers.

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