Income inequality is becoming a major issue in the United States, as it has been increasing over the last few decades and possesses serious social consequences. Addressing income inequality should be a top priority for the United States government to deal with this issue before it gets any worse and prevent terrible living conditions for many Americans. The wealth gap between those with unlimited resources and those struggling with financial instability has become increasingly clear; recognizing the need to understand and address this trend with urgency not only influences our economy but also has significant effects on the social structure of our society. According to a survey that was conducted by Pew research "About half of lower- income Americans (52%) say reducing economic inequality should be a top priority for the federal government to address; smaller shares of those with middle (39%) or upper incomes (36%) agree". (Juliana &Ruth). Even though President Biden acknowledges the urgency of addressing this issue, his administration has done little to nothing to address income inequality in the United States. President Biden should increase the minimum wage to $15 dollars an hour across all states to help reduce income inequality and provide financial stability to low-income workers.

The biggest cause for wealth disparity in the United States is several historical developments extending several decades such as the revolutionary government initiatives like the New Deal and the strength of strong labor unions in the mid 1900's which saw a decline in income disparity. A more excellent equitable distribution of wealth was promoted by these programs, raising many Americans' standards of living. However, income disparity started to rise in the 1970s persistently. There were several reasons for the income disparity, including labor unions losing their strength in the United States and companies moving overseas because of cheaper labor costs. Furthermore, tax policies benefited wealthy individuals over low-income workers since they had a greater voice in both the economy and politics. The income and wealth disparities in America significantly widened between 1949 and 2016 significantly according to research by Kuhn, Schularick, and Steins (2020). The historical trajectory shows the urgent need for intervention and reveals how economic disparities have grown over time. Studying the historical context is critical because it offers insight into structural issues established in the country's economic system. It provides critical views for developing effective ways to address the current challenges that income disparity creates.

Many low-income workers face constant struggle to meet their basic needs due to inadequate wages. This situation of financial stress affects every aspect of their lives, from having to stable housing to the quality of nutrition foods they consume. Increasing the minimum wage to

$15 dollars an hour would provide the means to help these individuals and families out of poverty. This will not just help these individuals and families earn more income, but also would break them free from financial insecurity. According to Pew Research "Just 6% of Black Adults in the Unites States earn 100,000 or more" (Parker, 2020). An increase of the minimum wage will help these individuals obtain higher financial status level and the opportunity to obtain skills that would help these individuals to pursue a more promising career. If President Biden raises the minimum wage to $15 an hour in all states, it can reduce the dependence on government assistance programs and low-income individuals and families can maintain their sense of independence and dignity, which can help them contribute to the workforce and seek out better career opportunities to earn more.

The many obstacles that low-income workers must overcome have a significant influence on their chances of growth and happiness in general. A major issue is access to healthcare, as many people do not have insurance, making preventive care expensive and leaving them exposed to medical emergencies (Lazar et al., 2018). This disparity causes shorter life expectancies, untreated illnesses, and increasing health issues. disparity in education contributes to income disparity, particularly in poor populations. Underfunded schools need more essential supplies and qualified teachers, which restricts extracurricular activities (Walker et al., 2019). As a result, children have fewer options, making it more difficult for them to break out from the cycle of poverty. Outrageous tuition fees make obtaining a higher degree an unachievable goal, trapping individuals in low-wage jobs with limited possibilities for advancement (Walker et al., 2019). The problems that low-income families face is worsened by housing insecurity. Due to a lack of affordable, secure housing, many people must make do with cramped, unsatisfactory living arrangements (Sherman, 2023). Rising rent expenses place a burden on low-income individuals' finances and have an impact on both mental and physical health. Irregular housing has a negative impact on communities and children's education, feeding the poverty cycle. These issues show the need to combat income inequality at every level because they make it more difficult for low-income workers and their families to live secure, happy lives.

If President Biden raises the minimum wage, low-income employees will see their earnings grow and their living circumstances improve. This will have wider impact on the economy including businesses and institutions. It will lead to a greater net spending on goods and services, that will contribute to the economy's recovery. If low-income workers earn more than they did previously, they will be an active participant in the expansion of the economy. As a result, this will promote a demand for both producers to provide and consumers to spend more money, so driving economic growth on all sides. Furthermore, manufacturers will be inspired to grow their operations, recruit more employees, and manage their businesses more efficiently. In return, the governments will earn more tax revenue by the increased consumer spending. The government can allocate that money to other programs such as healthcare, education and climate change. Improving the financial well-being of low-income employees by measures such as increasing the minimum wage is an economic strategy as well as a chance to provide better healthcare for low- income individuals and families. If low-income workers are earning more salaries than they currently earn, they will have both mental and physical health. They will no longer have to sacrifice their health due to financial difficulties and they will have money to spare for healthcare and professional help when they feel sick. This financial stability will also reduce their stress levels. Also, if President Biden increases the minimum wage, he will not only advocate for economic policy but also healthcare policy which is a basic human right for all rather than a privilege determined by a financial status.

The effects of wealth disparity on society are extensive, impacting communities in a few ways. One noticeable impact is the alarming rise in crime rates, which is typically linked to economic disparity. People, especially young people, may turn to criminal activity as a method of survival if they have limited access to high-quality education and work possibilities (Adams et al., 2019). This can feed the cycle of violence and social discontent. Due to a lack of resources, drug usage, and gang-related violence are more common in impoverished neighborhoods, further destabilizing the place and endangering the safety of its citizens (Adams et al., 2019). Reduced social mobility also makes the poverty cycle worse. Low-income children face significant obstacles in their quest for access to high-quality education and healthcare, which significantly curtails their opportunities for upward mobility (De Schutter et al., 2023). This lack of opportunity restricts their potential, widening the gap between wealthy individuals and lowincome individuals further contributing to societal injustice. Furthermore, economic disparity places a significant burden on public resources. Government budgets are strained by low-income people's limited tax payments, which prevents investments in critical areas like social welfare, healthcare, and education (Crowley et al., 2020). Because of this, public services decline, increasing the issues low-income individuals and communities face. Improving the well-being of all people and building more stable, successful, and fair communities require reducing the disparity in wealth.

It is critical to address economic disparity since its effects are far-reaching and affect people as well as the country. Pervasive economic inequities undermine societal cohesion and stability in addition to causing personal hardship (Gluckman et al., 2023). If a significant amount of the population has restricted alternatives due to their financial condition, social mobility slows down, weakening standards of democracy such as justice and equality. It promotes a society where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, irrespective of their origins (Scanlon, 2018). Society strengthens the basis of the country and helps the underprivileged by reducing the wealth gap. It fosters an atmosphere where individuals may make significant contributions to the country's advancement, innovation prospers, and education grows, building a more robust, equitable, and prosperous society for all (Barr, 2020).

Raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour is an effective solution to the widespread income disparity problem, directly addressing the urgent issues that low-income workers face. This policy change reflects a significant advancement toward social justice and economic fairness, not just a pay raise. Dismantling the hurdles that have sustained inequality for decades gives individuals at the bottom of the economic ladder a more tolerable income (Parker, 2020). Raising the minimum wage has had revolutionary effects in places like Australia and Washington state, among other countries. Poverty rates declined drastically while living standards improved greatly. These findings are further supported by economic theories that show how increasing the wages for low-income employees improves economies. Raising the minimum wage will drive consumer spending, therefore resulting in a more positive result for communities and businesses. Although other proposals are valid, such as wealth taxation and universal basic income, increasing the minimum wage is a more immediate and realistic answer. A greater minimum wage directly affects the lives of those who are struggling financially, unlike intricate administrative processes. It promotes fairness in opportunities and results, consistent with the core values of social equality (Carr et al., 2018).

Furthermore, this policy reform has broad support. The cause is supported by many polls and prominent individuals in the public and political domains. Its viability and possible advantages are demonstrated by its successful implementation in Seattle and states like California (Allard et al., 2020). This program reduces poverty, which benefits low-income families and fosters a workforce with higher levels of education. It strengthens the middle class, eases the burden on social safety programs, and clears the path for long-term economic growth. A comprehensive strategy combining activities at the federal and state levels is needed to implement such a transition. It is essential to use caution when navigating legislative changes to social assistance programs, tax laws, and employment rules (Augustine, 2019). It is critical to strike a balance between defending the interests of small businesses and helping low-income workers. Smaller businesses can be protected from unnecessary stress by phased adoption and tailored help, ensuring their resilience as wages grow. Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour symbolizes a societal shift toward justice, decency, and inclusivity rather than just economic reform. It builds communities, gives people more power, and creates the groundwork for a time when all citizens, regardless of income level, can prosper (Levin-Waldman, 2018). Such a revolutionary policy is necessary to lead society to a more equal and just future. It is not merely a financial adjustment.

The current state of economic inequality in the United States puts in doubt our country's promise of an equal chance of opportunity. The rising disparity between the wealthy and those in poverty has created significant divides in our society. Most of this disparity affects low-income families, who struggle to find reliable housing, healthcare, and education. A solution must address a fundamental injustice and protect the country's democratic values (Sanders, 2023).

In this current state of income inequality, raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour across all states would bring hope to many low-income families who are struggling to survive. this will provide a real-life changing opportunity for millions of Americans who are at the bottom of economy. This policy is a moral requirement and reflects a culture that cherishes each worker's dignity, not just an economic adjustment. Increasing the minimum wage is a practical way to close the income gap and provide people who have long been denied a chance at financial stability (Franko et al., 2018).

This policy needs to be implemented by President Biden. The necessity of this policy is found not only in economic theory but also in the experiences of everyday people, such as hardworking parents, aspirational students, and tenacious employees pursuing better lives (Dean, 2018). The primary target of this strategy is to promote individual empowerment, community growth, and economic stimulation all of which are fundamental foundation for an equal and justice society. With this in mind, we can build a more ethical and equal society by making sure that workers' efforts get rewarded with an adequate wage. Furthermore, we should not only expect elect officials to make this shift, but everyone must also share responsibility for advocating for the increasing income inequality that is affecting low-income individuals and families. Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour represents more than just a change in legislation; it represents strongly held values in society. It represents a commitment to fair distribution of wealth, economic growth, and social fairness. Supporting this cause, we demonstrate our commitment to a more equitable and peaceful society where everyone can live a life of promise and dignity, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation and disability. Through this joint effort, we can grow toward a future when economic inequality will not prevent Americans from pursuing their dreams.

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