I really think the democratic party should start championing the minimum wage issue today. The cost of living is beyond unbearable with gas prices, rent/housing costs skyrocketing. According to an inflation Calculator provided by the
bureau of labor statistics, the cost of living has increased by 20% since mimum wage was last increased
in 1997.
The 20% increased is deceptive. In fact, the economic burden has been much greater. Gas prices are a necessary commodity which are felt by nearly everyone.
The price of regular grade gas increased from an average of $1.19 at the end of December, 1997 to an average of $2.20 for the week ending June 6, 2005.
That's an increase of 84%! Just imagine the impact on workers earning a salary that is barely minimum wage. The impact ios on everyone, regardless of whether they drive a car or not, as public transportation fares are similarly increasing (e.g. St. Louis recently raised fares from $1.25 to $1.50).
The prices for housing and rent are not any better. According to statistics released by the department of housing and urban development, average rent prices have also risen dramatically. For example, in St. Louis City, the average cost of rent has increased from $478 to $741 between 1997 and 2005. That's an increase of 55%! The statistics are similar across the country.
I imagine it is unlikely an individual earning minimum wage could own his or her own home, but even if they could... the average monthly housing costs, including all mortgages plus maintenance costs, was $369 in 1997. By 2003, this rose to $904.
These same analyses can be made for child care costs, consumer goods, and others. A full time minimum wage worker makes just $10,712 per year, well below the poverty line for a single individual, let alone a family of three. Yet, I was under the that minimum wage was calculated as the minimum wage possible for an individual to live with two children above the poverty level. Was I wrong? Why aren't people more vocal about this problem?
Minimum wage needs to become an issue. While ethics and Iraq are clearly important matters for our legislators, I think we should make sure the conversation also tackles issues which are worsening here at home. W's tax breaks won't help those earning minimum wage, as they are not liable for most taxes. Only an increase will.
While making minimum wage anissue may not add many votes (i suspect most who earn close to minimum wage aren't registered voters), it's the right thing to do.
I suspect this diary will vanish unread like many others. But, for those privileged few who read this, I hope you too will encourage others to endorse increasing minimum wages to a living wage.