Minimum Wage and Labor statistics throughout the United States

The following charts all show data on minimum wages and workers who receive minimum wages throughout the United States. The information was found at  http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2012/tables/12s0652.pdf and 

http ://www.ncsl.org/research/labor-and-employment/state-minimum-wage-chart.aspx.

This first chart is a bar chart that shows how many states have a specific minimum wage. The federal minimum wage for the current year is $7.25 an hour. This chart reflects data as of January 31^st, 2011 and is measured in current dollars. The data adds up to more than 50 because Washington D.C. is also included as well as states with two minimum wages, which were put in their two categories respectively. Minnesota has a law where large employers (with annual receipts of $625,000 or more) have a required minimum wage of $6.15 per hour and small employers (with annual receipts of less than $625,000) have a required minimum wage of $5.25 per hour. Nevada also has two minimum wages because it has a law that states: with no health insurance benefits provided by the employer the required minimum wage is $8.25 and with health insurance provided by the employer and received by the employee the required minimum wage is $7.25 per hour.   

 This second chart is a pie chart that shows workers who are paid hourly rates at or below the federal minimum wage. The percentages are based on specific characteristics of the worker. The data is from 2010 and was based on the current U.S. population survey at that time.  

This final chart is a line chart and shows the federal minimum wage rates per hour between the years of 1940 and 2011. This chart reflects data as of January 31st, 2011 and is measured in current dollars.

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Same-sex Marriage in Michigan Recap

Michigan residents lately have been debating about same-sex marriage because of a recent court case that called Michigan’s ban on marriage unconstitutional.    

“I think it [Michigan’s law] is right, I think it’s one that’s been adhered to historically and morally,” said Derek Kim, a junior at Michigan State University.

Deanna Hurlbert, the director of the LGBT Resource Center at MSU, said that she thinks Michigan’s laws on marriage should allow that if any two people who want to be in a contract of marriage and are able to take care of each other and assume the responsibilities of marriage than they should be able to do that.

“Marriage is so fundamental to human existence—one man, one woman—that’s what it takes to create life and raise a child. I’m not saying homosexuals shouldn’t be together, if they want to be together fine, but why redefine marriage?” said Kim.

“I hope that in time that those laws banning same sex couples from getting married will be overturned and …marriage equality will be brought to the state of Michigan,” said Sean Wolski, an MSU student who serves as the vice-president of The Alliance of Queer and Ally studies at MSU. 

Same-sex Marriage in Michigan Preview

On Mar. 21, 2014 Michigan’s ban on same-sex marriage was called unconstitutional and made legal, a ruling which was then put on an indefinite hold, a decision many disagree with and others find appropriate. 

The current marriage laws in Michigan only recognize a marriage as being between one man and one woman.

But Judge Bernard Friedman, a United States District Court Judge, ruled that Michigan's ban on marriage equality violated the United States Constitution, according to Mae Kuykendall, who is a Michigan State University professor of law.

“The current status of same-sex marriage is the same as it’s always been, since the rule for marriage equality has been halted,” Kuykendall said.

Deanna Hurlbert, the director of the LGBT Resource Center at MSU said that Michigan Governor Rick Snyder “did confirm that the marriages are legal but [they] will not be acknowledged.” 

However, on Mar. 28, the federal government announced that it will recognize the marriages performed in Michigan on Saturday, Mar. 22, right before a hold was put on the ruling, according to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Website.

This twitter feed goes into more in-depth opinions on the topic as will the recap on this blog.

Study Abroad Recap

Studying abroad is something many college students want to do, but how is it helpful to a student?

“Studying abroad is very beneficial to students, which is something a lot of students don’t realize until they do it,” said Cheryl Benner.

She said that studying abroad teaches students skill building, adaptability, and resourcefulness.

“Studying abroad gives you a global perspective, especially for students who are American,” Danielle Owensby said.

According to an IES abroad survey found on the IES abroad Website, alumni from IES abroad get jobs related to their majors sooner after graduation and at a higher salary compared to recent U.S. college graduates from the general population.

“In today’s job market it is mandatory to have some international experience. Having that on your resume speaks volumes to an employer,” said Benner.

Students who study abroad gain maturity, experience with another culture, self-control, and awareness of cultural differences and similarities said Professor William Penn.

“And it’s fun,” Penn said. “It gives students the opportunity to learn the art and culture of another country.” 

This report can also be viewed on this twitter feed and this preview post, which introduces the people and topic discussed. 

Study Abroad Preview

Each year nearly 3,000 Michigan State University students study abroad in more than 60 countries around the world, according to Michigan State University’s study abroad Website. So how does studying abroad benefit students? This twitter feed  tells the benefits of studying abroad by quoting Danielle Owensby and Michael Keller, students who have been on different study abroad programs. It quotes Cheryl Benner as well, the communications manager for Michigan State’s Office of Study Abroad, who has been on programs as an administrator and Professor William Penn, who has been on 10 study abroad programs as a professor .The feed also uses information from several varying studies dealing with how studying abroad is helpful to students, such as IES abroad. 

Scavenger Hunt Review

Team four won Michigan State University's Paranormal Club scavenger hunt at the club meeting Wednesday night. The scavenger hunt was in celebration of St. Patrick's Day and led five teams made up of three people throughout central campus and Bessey Hall, where the meeting took place. The hunt involved ten questions about St. Patrick's Day, many of which involved the paranormal aspect of the holiday. When a group sent the correct answer to Josh Schnell, a Vice President of the club who created the hunt, they were able to move on and look for the next question and clue. "Well that was fun. Twas a grand time," said Andy Koch, a team two member.  Team four came in first, followed by team three in second, then team one in third, team two came in fourth place and team five forfeited.