A Difference-in-Difference Study Evaluating the Effect of Minimum Wage Policy on Body Mass Index and Related Health Behaviors (original) (raw)
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Improving Health by Increasing the Minimum Wage
There is international consensus that income is a determinant of health, shaping access to basic needs and social determinants of health–housing, education, and job opportunities. Women and people of color-many of whom provide for families-are more likely to earn low wages, and therefore experience inequitable rates of poverty’s adverse health effects. Yet, the minimum wage varies between and within states, and the current federal minimum does not keep pace with costs of basic living needs. Further, current metrics for setting minimum wages inadequately capture the basic necessities for living in full health. This policy proposal outlines proposed actions for improving health through raising the minimum wage. Written with Julianna Alson, MPHc; Omid Bagheri, MPHc; Michelle Chapdelaine, MPHc; Kelsey Liu, MPHc; Rachel Schaeffer, MPHc; Emily Turk, MPHc; Chloe Winther, MPHc