Raise the Minimum Wage

Think about trying to live on a job that pays the current federal minimum wage of $7.25. How far will your paycheck go? What if you have to drive to that job or pay for daycare for a child? If you’re lucky enough to get 40 hours of work, that’s just $290 a week before any taxes are taken out. Clearly, anyone trying to lead a full life on this wage will find it nearly impossible.

Opponents of raising the minimum wage argue that it’s just a starter wage for high school students. But even if that is partially true, the fact is that millions of adults are working full time jobs for employers who have no problem paying only the minimum wage. As this infographic by the National Women’s Law Center shows, 1.87 million adult women are minimum wage earners.

As advocates point out, if the minimum wage kept pace with the rising costs of living, it  would currently be $10.55.

That’s why it’s time to tell Congress that the 99% need a raise.

Anyone who believes in the dignity of work should also believe in work that can lift people out of poverty, not trap them in it.