Minimum wage in Texas is $7.85, and last year the state had the most minimum wage workers in the U.S. with 420,000 according to the Dallas News. If a person making minimum wage works 40 hours a week, in a year they will earn $15,080 a year. Most minimum wage workers are teenagers who work part time and have to juggle school and a job.

“Before I had a job, I didn’t have many things. My parents wanted me to earn my own things. But to afford all the things I have now, I have to work 30 hours a week. I work to spend, I don’t have much money left over to save,” senior Jake Deven said.

Half of the minimum wage workers are teenagers. A raise would put a lot money back in the economy. It would also allow students to work less and earn the same amount.

“I work half of the day on Saturdays and Sundays, during the week I have to find time to do all my homework and projects. My time windows are small. Time for fun is rare,” Deven said.

A school week adds up to 37.5 hours. Getting the recommended eight hours of sleep per day adds up to 40 hours, together that is equals almost 80 hours out of a 168 hour week. Sleep and school take up almost half of a students time. To add a 30 hour-week job, is to give up almost all of the time a student has for extra-curricular activities, homework, and studying.