The Wages of Teen Unemployment

Teen jobless rates are higher in states with higher minimum wages

WSJ editorial. Excerpts: 

"unemployment among 16 to 19 years old has shot up to 15.2% in July from 11.8% in January."

"Democrats [in California\ enacted a $20 an hour minimum in 2023 for fast-food restaurant chains."  

"Census Bureau non-seasonally adjusted data showed California’s teen jobless rate was a whopping 31% in July, double what it was two years ago before the fast-food minimum took effect."

"Kentucky [is] following the federal $7.25 an hour minimum. But its share of teens who are employed (38%) is higher than in most states because more participate in the labor force."