POLL: Supermajority Support for Federal Minimum Wage of $10.25

A new poll from ABC News indicates that there is strong popular support for an increase in the hourly minimum wage from the current level of $7.25. The last increase was in 2009; President Obama called for Congress to raise it to $9.00 and has endorsed pending legislation that would increase it to $10.10.

This poll, produced for ABC by Langer Research Associates, offered pro and con arguments on the issue, noting that some say the minimum wage should be raised “to help low-income workers get by,” while others say taking such action “will lead some businesses to cut jobs.” The result is 2-1 in favor: Sixty-six percent support raising the minimum wage, while 31 percent oppose it.

Intensity of sentiment is even more lopsided: Nearly half, 48 percent, “strongly” support raising the minimum wage, vs. 20 percent who are strongly opposed.

Told its current level and asked what the minimum wage should be, Americans, on average, say $9.41 per hour. That rises to $10.25 just among those who favor raising the minimum wage.

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In partisan terms, support for a higher minimum wage peaks at 85 percent among Democrats and liberals alike, and also draws 71 percent of moderates and 65 percent of independents. Support declines to 50 percent of Republicans and 46 percent of strong conservatives.

This is an issue that progressives should promote in 2014 and beyond.