Minimum wage rises cost jobs. People just will not employ workers when doing so loses them money. Harsh, unfair, and also true.
One-time economic adviser to President Biden, Jared Bernstein, notes that any significant minimum raise will indeed kill some jobs. But the folks who gain will gain so much that it’s all worth it. Well, worth it from the point of view of a Swamp-dweller planning other peoples’ lives, perhaps.
We never do get the offer to explain this logic — not just from Bernstein but from anyone — directly and in-person to the employee about to move to lose their job as a result. “Sure, you’re screwed, but look how much better off those other folks are!” would be an interesting message to watch being delivered within fist-to-nose distance. Perhaps we could sell tickets to aid in paying down the deficit or something?