1. Digital Commerce-51 db5

PLEASE RESPOND TO GAJ'S DISCUSSION POST

I believe that increasing access to broadband and high-speed internet in rural areas would be a great way to address the racial wealth gap. While building these towers is by no means cheap, between $60,000 to $80,000 per mile, I believe that in the long run, this spending from the government would be able to show long-term benefits to rural areas (Kim, J. (2023, March 6)). According to (Levin, B., Williamson, V., & Rayan Sud, S. P. (2021, August 18)), anywhere from 18.3 to 42 million Americans are left without broadband internet access with people of color specifically cited to be disproportionately likely to lack internet.

To help alleviate the racial wealth gap, creating the infrastructure for broadband and high-speed internet in rural areas will help widen the opportunities by eliminating barriers. Such opportunities can include access to online education, online tools, and online jobs which can help guide communities to a better education and better employment opportunities (Levin, B., Williamson, V., & Rayan Sud, S. P. (2021, August 18)). I believe that the cost of building the infrastructure is a small price to pay to bring modern amenities to communities that can better utilize it for good. With a good internet connection, a student may be able to get into a college remotely or help a worker find the best fit for their skills remotely, both are opportunities they wouldn't have if not for the internet.

PLEASE RESPOND TO AMAND'S DISCUSSION POST

Increasing the minimum wage can benefit low-income workers of all races, including those from marginalized communities. It can help boost their earnings, reduce poverty rates, and improve their economic well-being. "Low-wage Black workers, on average, live farther from jobs and are less likely to own cars. Minimum wage increases allow Black workers to acquire cars, greatly extending the job opportunities within their grasp. Minimum wages also reduced racial gaps in employee turnover, further indicating that the policies enhance job opportunities for Black workers. (Ana Fox-Hodess, 2022)" It's important to note that raising the minimum wage alone may not be sufficient in tackling the racial wealth gap. Although it does impact individuals with low-wage jobs, the gap is influenced by many other factors, such as unequal access to quality education, housing, and resources for entrepreneurship, which are crucial in building long-term wealth. Moreover, the effects of a higher minimum wage can vary depending on the cost of living in different regions. Implementing a universal minimum wage across the country may not be very effective in addressing the racial wealth gap, especially in regions with significantly different economic conditions. While a higher minimum wage can certainly benefit many workers, it may not be enough to bridge the racial wealth gap since Black and Hispanic workers are often overrepresented in low-paying jobs. These workers may still encounter challenges related to discrimination and limited opportunities for career growth.