1. Set Focus
Frame the inquiry with these essential questions: To what extent should fairness be considered when setting economic policy? What are other important considerations?
2. Read and Discuss
Have students read the debate and then answer the following questions:
- What is the issue being debated? How does it relate to current events? (The issue is whether employers should be allowed to pay teens a lower minimum wage than adults. The issue is timely because many businesses are facing financial difficulties because of inflation and other factors.)
- Evaluate why these two authors might be interested in and qualified to comment on this issue. (Bob Battles is a lawyer for an association that advocates for the interests of businesses. Aaron Keating is a policy director for an economics institute.)