The Congressional Budget Office has determined that raising the U.S. federal minimum wage to $15 per hour will improve pay for 17 million workers but leave about 1.3 million without jobs. A report explains the impact:

“[I]n an average week in 2025, the $15 option would increase the wages of 17 million workers whose wages would otherwise be below $15 per hour, CBO estimates. The wages of many of the 10 million workers whose wages would be slightly above the new federal minimum would also increase.”

Although it’s higher in some cities and states, the federal minimum wage has been $7.25 since 2009. The report explores changes related to increases to $15, $12, and $10 but concludes: “The options’ effects on employment and family income are uncertain.”

The report comes before a vote to pass the “Raise the Wage Act,” which is proposed by House Democrats to increase wages gradually to $15 until 2024.

Discussion:

• Assess the graphic, at right, which is on the report cover. What does it mean, and how could it be improved? What’s your view of using the graphic on the report cover?

• Assess the report. Which business communication principles are followed, and what could be improved? Consider organization, writing style, document design, and so on.

• Finally, assess the report conclusions. What other data would be useful to know?