Living wages not minimum wages
Posted on May 31, 2011 by JRF
The study referenced in this article provides more proof about the ridiculous expectations of people to provide for themselves and their families when they have to work for minimum wages.
Cameo, the woman featured, is raising two sons as a single parent, while working two jobs. One pays $9.50/hour and the other $13.05/hour; “with these kinds of salaries, you can’t support your kids, you can’t buy them clothes, save for college, or have money on hand for a car repair,” she said.
The Basic Economic Security Tables for Michigan found that single Michigan residents with no children need at least $12.24/hour to meet their basic needs. Single parents with two children need $24.49/hour – three times the minimum wage.
At the end of the article, we learn that Cameo is working towards a college degree. Former Chief Justice of Georgia, Leah Sears, said, “For millions, education is the only resource against poverty.”
Until minimum wages are changed to living wages, whether through policy change or by securing a better job, it will be almost impossible for a low-income person to change her situation. Education is a means to escape poverty, to earn wages that can provide food AND clothing AND shelter.
JRF works with women who are earning degrees and changing their lives. Scholarships can be used for rent, transportation, child care, power, tuition, wherever they need it most. With the help of generous and dedicated supporters and volunteers, we are increasing access to higher education. Next year, we plan to award 15 more scholarships and we could use your help.
We can’t sit back and wait for policies to change; we have to take action to make sure people are getting help now. Contact us at info@rankinfoundation.org or 706-208-1211 for more information.
Tagged: minimum wage, living wage, education, the basic economic security tables for michigan, jrf
