GDP

The US economy declined by 1.4% in the first quarter. The GDP is $23 trillion and there are 9 million people who could work but have chosen not to work. The average worker makes $60,000 per year and if these 9 million were working they would add $540 billion to the economy and that is 2.4% of GDP. The result would mean that the first quarter GDP would be plus one percent instead of negative 1.4%. People must be encouraged to return to work and a good way to do that is higher salaries.