Say goodbye to the penny. When they’re all used up, they’ll be gone for good. Last year, President Donald Trump ordered the Treasury Department to stop coining new pennies. Even though the production of pennies stopped in November, the remaining ones can still be used as a form of payment.
Trump, who called the production of pennies “wasteful,’’ claims the move will reduce unnecessary government spending. So how will the eventual disappearance of the penny affect everyday life?
Assistant Principal Tene Kelly is pleased with the move “I think it’s great that pennies are being discontinued because it is a waste of time. It costs more to make a penny than what it’s worth.”
The cost to make pennies is more than its face value price: it cost 3.7 cents to produce a penny worth one cent.
Melanie Valdez, the buildOn engagement specialist, said, “It doesn’t necessarily affect me because I don’t frequently use it.”
“I’m not sure how I feel about pennies being discontinued,” said Monique Davis, a school aide. “I want to see how the system works without it. When I go to the store, I want my exact change because pennies add up quickly.”
In our neighborhood, the debate reaches people beyond campus. Mohammed Maik, a cashier at a Gourmet Deli in the Bronx, says “I believe it’s pretty smart because it’s too much work for me to hand back customers’ pennies.”
Noah Adem, a cashier at a local Key Food, likes the move. “Pennies being discontinued is great,” he said. “It’s better for me because I hate gathering pennies for my customers.”
Samantha Rodriguez, a cashier at a local Stop & Shop, says “It doesn’t affect me too much because I don’t use them personally, but some customers may feel differently.”
Along with staff and local cashiers, Joel Yeboah, a sophomore, says “I think getting rid of pennies is smart because it helps the United States gain money by adding to our economy.”
Sophomore Emily Flores agrees, “It doesn’t affect me that much.”
Others can’t help but worry: “Maybe, but what if I’m a penny short on something,” said Vanita Jagernauth, a sophomore.
For some students, the penny feels personal. “I’m a little sad that pennies are being discontinued because they were a big part of U.S history. I liked pennies a lot,” said sophomore Kendry Perez.
