Minimum Wage Policy in Great Britain and the United States

Analyzing wage policies and the political ideas that underlie them, including the irony of an Iraq funding bill leading to a minimum wage increase, this book compares not only Federal but State minimum wage policies and those of Britain as well. Going beyond the debate on public expenditure programs, the author examines the future of the "e;welfare state"e; A- not from a perspective of entitlement but of citizenship in a public polity."e;Jerold Waltman's new book is a welcome addition to the comparative policy literature not only for its accessible presentation of the fascinating story of minimum wage but also for its thorough and balanced review of studies evaluating its impact. The book could be used in introductory public policy or advanced comparative public policy courses, or profitably read by general audiences. Waltman's language is clear, generally non-technical, and he writes with a sensitivity to low income workers that is compelling. "e; --David Dillman, Abilene Christian University for British Politics Group Quarterly, Winter 2009