Doing the Minimum

As I discussed previously, an overwhelming majority of Americans support an increase in the federally-mandated minimum wage. While the corporate-sponsored Republican Congress continues to fight any such increase, some states are ahead of the curve. 18 states currently have minimum wages higher than the $5.15 per hour mandated federally. Other states, including Ohio, Arizona and Colorado, have minimum wage increases on the ballot this November.

While the proposed new minimum wage of $7.25 per hour would be a huge improvement over the current $5.15, it would still leave a full-time worker an annual income of only $15,080, barely above the poverty line. Interestingly, the living wage is an issue that has been garnering more and more attention recently, and is something that some municipalities are exploring. The idea behind a living wage is that people who work in a community should be able to live decently and raise their families wherever they live. This requires a wage and benefits package that takes into account the area-specific cost of living, as well as the basic expenses involved in supporting a family. In July, Chicago mandated that Wal-Mart and other big-box retailers pay its workers in the city a living wage. After approving a living wage for the 200 full-time city employees that became effective July 1, my hometown of Memphis is currently debating whether or not to extend the living wage to part-time city workers, employees of companies that receive tax breaks and businesses that provide contract services to the city. Other cities with living-wage laws include Santa Fe and Albuquerque in New Mexico; San Francisco, California; and Washington, D.C..

This is a progressive cause that can work. Americans believe in it. The minimum wage has been discussed on the floors of both the House and Senate, and the living wage is a reality in many cities, so the issue is already in the mainstream consciousness. Support the ballot referendums in Ohio, Arizona, Colorado, and elsewhere. Support the people in Memphis working to make a living wage a reality throughout the city. Find out if there are people where you live working on this issue. And if not, think about starting yourself. There have been victories in this battle already. But we have to build on these successes, and we must continue to fight.

-Jason