Passage Summary: An economist argues that while raising the minimum wage might cause some job cuts, the boost in worker productivity and technology investment will be a bigger win for the economy.

Conclusion: Raising the current low minimum wage would benefit the country's economic health more than the resulting job losses would damage it.

Reasoning: Low wages discourage investment in productivity-boosting technology, whereas higher wages encourage productivity, which is essential for better living standards.

Analysis: The economist is making a cost-benefit claim: the 'productivity' gain is greater than the 'hiring cutback' loss. To strengthen this, we need evidence that productivity is indeed the most critical factor for economic health or that the predicted hiring cuts are relatively insignificant. Look for an answer that reinforces the link between productivity and overall economic well-being. A great strengthener might also suggest that the 'hiring cutbacks' are often offset by other gains in a high-productivity environment.