🤔 Could Your Paycheck Really Double? Tennessee’s $20 Wage Debate! 🤔

Happy Sunday Everyone!

We thought this was an interesting find that no one is talking about! Tennessee is trying to cement itself as one of the most attractive states for investment and economic power.

In Today’s “HubCity Newsletter”:

• Why Is This Happening? 🤔

• What Are The Chances? 🎲

• The Most Likely Outcome! 🔮

• Weekly Events For The Kids 🛝

• Weekly Events For The Whole Family 🎡 

Read Time: 3 - 5 Minutes

In recent legislative developments, Tennessee lawmakers have introduced a bill aiming to raise the state's minimum wage from the federal standard of $7.25 per hour to $20 per hour. This proposal has sparked praise and backlash among residents and policymakers alike.

🤔 Why Is This Happening? 🤔

The push for a higher minimum wage in Tennessee stems from growing concerns about the rising cost of living and the financial struggles faced by many workers. Advocates argue that the current minimum wage is insufficient for individuals to meet basic needs such as housing, food, and healthcare.

For instance, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Living Wage Calculator estimates that a living wage for an adult without children in Knox County is approximately $20.85 per hour.

Residents across the state, including those in Jackson, have voiced frustrations over stagnant wages. Many feel that companies are not offering compensation that aligns with the increasing costs of essential goods and services.

The proposed wage increase aims to address these concerns by ensuring that full-time workers earn enough to support themselves without relying on public assistance programs.

🎲 What Are The Chances? 🎲 

While the proposal has garnered attention, its path to becoming law faces several challenges. Historically, similar bills have struggled to gain traction in the Tennessee General Assembly. For example, a previous attempt to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour did not pass.

Opponents of the increase argue that a sudden jump to $20 per hour could have unintended economic consequences. Concerns include potential job losses, increased prices for consumers, and financial strain on small businesses.

Additionally, Tennessee is among the states that do not have a state-mandated minimum wage, defaulting to the federal rate. This historical context suggests a legislative hesitancy to set a state-specific wage floor.

On the other side of this equation is that Tennessee’s economy is in a much different place now! Investments are continuing to pour into southern states and Tennessee has become a magnet for growth in the south.

If Tennessee does nothing to maintain that lead it has fought years to gain, it could lose out on future investments to other states like North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

Billions of dollars are flowing in from foreign and domestic sources and southern states are getting a once in a lifetime opportunity to capitalize on that. A higher minimum wage helps Tennessee not only remain competitive but can also help to lift current residents out of poverty. 

Given these factors, the likelihood of the bill passing in its current form appears slim. Legislative processes, political dynamics, and economic considerations all play pivotal roles in determining the bill's fate. But what this proposed bill will do is start a conversation about wages in Tennessee that has been long overdue.

🔮 The Most Likely Outcome 🔮

Even if the proposed $20 per hour minimum wage does not become law, its introduction has already ignited a statewide conversation about wage standards. This topic could pave the way for alternative proposals that, while not as ambitious, still aim to raise the minimum wage to a more sustainable level.

Lawmakers will likely push for a gradual increase, as they’ve done before, with $15 per hour being the most probable compromise. This figure has been a focal point in national discussions and aligns with movements in other states aiming to make wages more livable.

Such a compromise would address concerns about the current wage's inadequacy while lowering fears of economic disruption.

While the journey to a $20 per hour minimum wage in Tennessee faces significant hurdles, the proposal has succeeded in highlighting the issue of wage stagnation across the state. As the conversation continues, residents can anticipate more debates and legislative actions as Tennessee continues to develop into an economic powerhouse in the south.

But what are your thoughts on this? Do you agree that Tennessee needs to increase it’s wages? 

Please feel free to let us know in our poll below and don’t forget to support a local business, company or organization by checking out our curated list of events as well.

Monday, February 17th

Great Backyard Bird Count 🥾
Date: Monday, February 17th
Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Cypress Grove Nature Park
Price: Free (Registration Required!)
Additional Details: Start Your Morning By Learning & Seeing Some Of The Amazing Birds That Visit Cypress Grove. This Is Open To All Levels Of Bird Watchers! Binoculars Recommended But Not Required.

Tuesday, February 18th

Teen Hangout: Game Day 🎲
Date: Tuesday, February 18th
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: The Humboldt Library
Ages: 12 - 17 Years Old
Price: Free

Wednesday, February 19th

Toddler Open Time 🤸
Date: Wednesday, February 19th
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Arrow Athletics
Price: $10
Ages: 5 & Under
Additional Details: Start Your Morning At The Gym With Friends While Your Toddler Plays To Get Some Energy Out As Well!

Thursday, February 20th

Thursday Game Night 🎲
Date: Thursday, February 20th
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: Enjoy A Wide Variety Of Games From Chess To Checkers, From Monopoly To Catan.

Friday, February 21st

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Movie Night 🎥
Date: Friday, February 21st
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Movie: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (PG)
Price: Free Entry
Additional Details: The Concession Stand Will Be Open!  Nachos, Popcorn, Candy & Drinks Will All Be Available For Purchase! Please Bring Your Own Chairs & Blankets.

Saturday, February 22nd

Kids' Saturday Morning Planetarium Show: Astronaut 🧑‍🚀
Date: Saturday, February 22nd
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please Arrive 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Super Smash Bros Monthly Tournament 🎮️
Date: Saturday, February 22nd
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: E-Gamers Cafe
Price: $20 (Cash Only)
Additional Details: Registration Starts At 5:00 PM & The Tournament Begins At 6:00 PM. (Please Bring Your Own Nintendo Switch Controller)

Sunday, February 23rd

Fortnite Solo Monthlies 🎮️
Date: Sunday, February 23rd
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: E-Gamers Cafe
Price: $20 (Cash Only)
Additional Details: This Is A PC Only Event, So Don’t Forget To Bring Your Equipment! This Event Is Also Open To All Ages! Registration Starts At 5:00 PM & The Tournament Starts At 6:00 PM.

Monday, February 17th

Great Backyard Bird Count 🥾
Date: Monday, February 17th
Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Cypress Grove Nature Park
Price: Free (Registration Required!)
Additional Details: Start Your Morning By Learning & Seeing Some Of The Amazing Birds That Visit Cypress Grove. This Is Open To All Levels Of Bird Watchers! Binoculars Recommended But Not Required.

American Sign Language Practice 👌
Date: Monday, February 17th
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: All Ages Welcome

School’s Out Day Camp 🤸
Date: Monday, February 17th
Time: 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Arrow Athletics
Price: (Click For Pricing)
Ages: 4 - 12 Years Old
Additional Details: It’s Presidents Day & While Your Kids May Be Out Of School, You Still Have To Work & We Got You Covered!

Tuesday, February 18th

Story Time 📖
Date: Tuesday, February 18th
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: Parents & Children Are Invited To Come Enjoy A Story, Sing, Dance, Craft & Make Friends All Under One Roof!

Forward! To The Moon! 🔭
Date: Tuesday, February 18th
Time: 5:30PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Teen Hangout: Game Day 🎲
Date: Tuesday, February 18th
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: The Humboldt Library
Ages: 12 - 17 Years Old
Price: Free

Wednesday, February 19th

Keto Meal Planning Class🍖
Date: Wednesday, February 19th
Time: 11:30 PM - 12:30 PM
Location: Westwood Community Center
Price: Free
Additional Details: Get Ready To Learn Recipes From A Certified Instructor/Author In Our Free Keto Planning Class!

Toddler Open Time 🤸
Date: Wednesday, February 19th
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Arrow Athletics
Price: $10
Ages: 5 & Under
Additional Details: Start Your Morning At The Gym With Friends While Your Toddler Plays To Get Some Energy Out As Well!

Thursday, February 20th

Thursday Game Night 🎲
Date: Thursday, February 20th
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: Enjoy A Wide Variety Of Games From Chess To Checkers, From Monopoly To Catan.

Kids’ Guide Launch Party 🥳
Date: Thursday, February 20th
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Old Country Store
Price: Free
Additional Details: Get Ready To Meet JR, The Jackson Rockabillys’ Mascot, Enjoy Live Music, Enter Our Drawing For Free Tickets To The Rockabillys & More!

Friday, February 21st

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Movie Night 🎥
Date: Friday, February 21st
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Movie: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (PG)
Price: Free Entry
Additional Details: The Concession Stand Will Be Open!  Nachos, Popcorn, Candy & Drinks Will All Be Available For Purchase! Please Bring Your Own Chairs & Blankets.

Forward! To The Moon! 🔭
Date: Friday, February 21st
Time: 1:30PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Candlelight: Tribute To Whitney Houston 🎼
Date: Friday, February 21st
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: The Ned
Price: Click For Pricing!
Additional Details: Get Ready For A Night Like No Other With Our Multi-Sensory Musical Experience Featuring Popular Songs From 6 Time Grammy Award Winner, Whitney Houston.

Fortnite Gamer Hangout 🎮️
Date: Friday, February 21st
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: E-Gamers Cafe
Price: (Check For Pricing)
Additional Details: You Asked & We Delivered!  This Year We Will Be Testing Out Hangout Events For All Ages!  This Gives You The Opportunity To Meet & Form Communities With Others You Share Interests With.

Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More 🎵
Date: Friday, February 21st
Time: 8:45 PM
Location: The Ned
Price: (Click For Pricing!)
Age: 8 Years Old & Up (16 & Under Must Be Accompanied By An Adult!)
Additional Details: Late Entry Not Permitted (Doors Open 45 Minutes Prior To Showtime.)

Saturday, February 22nd

Kids’ Pokemon Trading Club 🐈‍⬛
Date: Saturday, February 22nd
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Additional Details: Meetup With Other Pokemon Enthusiasts To Talk, Make New Friends, Trade Pokemon Cards & Have Fun.

Kids' Saturday Morning Planetarium Show: Astronaut 🧑‍🚀
Date: Saturday, February 22nd
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please Arrive 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Dudes & Darlings Dance 🎉
Date: Saturday, February 22nd
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: South Elementary School
Price: (Pre-Sell) $12 Per Couple (At The Door) $15 Per Couple ($5 For Additional Person)
Additional Details: Join Us For Our First Ever Dudes & Darlings Dance! (Mothers/Son and Fathers/Daughter.) This Will Be A Wonderful Family Friendly Event With Punch, Cupcakes, Cookies, Dancing & More!

Tween & Teen Sewing 🧶
Date: Saturday, February 22nd
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Age: 11 - 18 (Parent Must Be Present For 13 & Under)
Additional Details: All Skill Levels Are Welcomed, We Will Be Making Ornaments Or Stockings.

West TN GCA Gymnastics Clinic 🤸
Date: Saturday, February 22nd
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Price: $20 (Cash Only)
Additional Details: There Will Be 3 Different Classes. Each Class Covers 1 Hour & Are As Followed! (9 AM -10 AM Basic Beginners / Walkover Ages 6 & up.) (10 AM -11 AM Back Handspring / Back Tuck Ages 6 & Up.) (11 AM -12 PM Preschool Tumbling Ages 4 and 5.)

Super Smash Bros Monthly Tournament 🎮️
Date: Saturday, February 22nd
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: E-Gamers Cafe
Price: $20 (Cash Only)
Additional Details: Registration Starts At 5:00 PM & The Tournament Begins At 6:00 PM. (Please Bring Your Own Nintendo Switch Controller)

Beekeeping For Beginners 🐝
Date: Saturday, February 22nd
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Registration Starts @ 8:30 AM)
Location: Madison County Agricultural
Price: $15 (Single Person) $20 (For Family)
Additional Details: Have You Always Wanted To Try Beekeeping But Don’t Know Where To Start? This Is The Perfect Beginner Friendly Event For You! (There Will Be Door Prizes, A Raffle & A Pizza Lunch!)

Sunday, February 23rd

Black History Program 📖
Date: Sunday, February 23rd
Time: 10:15 AM
Location: Abundant Life Temple Ministries
Additional Details: Everyone Is Invited! This Event Is A Celebration Of African American People Throughout History! Please Join Us As We Honor Their Lives & Legacies!

Fortnite Solo Monthlies 🎮️
Date: Sunday, February 23rd
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: E-Gamers Cafe
Price: $20 (Cash Only)
Additional Details: This Is A PC Only Event, So Don’t Forget To Bring Your Equipment! This Event Is Also Open To All Ages! Registration Starts At 5:00 PM & The Tournament Starts At 6:00 PM.