Friday's Food 4 Thought: Minimum Wage Can't Make A Better Pizza
Yesterday, millions of working mothers, fathers, and adults thought they were given a chance to improve their lives. What they may not realize is that they will continue to be living in poverty. In the end, the proposed minimum wage increase is only a symbolic measure without any real teeth or any real help for those living in poverty today. It actually benefits the rich more than the poor after pairing the minimum wage increase with tax benefits for the wealthy. This is a familiar theme in Congress, especially under the Bush regime.
The 2006 HHS poverty line for a family of three is $16,600, however, studies devoted to the family budget for a family of three indicate $23,000 to $46,000 (depending on where they live) is required to support a family of three. This includes the price of food, rent, childcare, transportation and other necessities. These figures do not represent luxury items. A minimum wage increase to 7.25/hr will raise the minimum wage income to $18,326. Can you live on that? I couldn’t. Did you know that over half of the minimum wage employees are women? Did you know that 80 percent are adults over the age of 20? Did you know that minimum wage workers make up the largest employment of women and single working mothers? I only wish there were a God to help them (and their children). As an atheist, I can’t even do that.
Is this good enough? Is this the best
When you go out today, I want to you to look into the faces of those that serve you. Chances are you will be looking into the eyes of a minimum wage employee every step of your day. In almost all team oriented studies, the team is only as strong as their weakest link. When you go out today, look for a business that proudly supports living wages and support their business. I go to a local Pizza place that gives their employee’s living wages, health benefits, and extra benefits such as vacations or paid time off. I pay a lot for that Pizza (and I bitch about it sometimes), but you know what? It is the best damn Pizza I have ever had and I keep going back. If living wages can make a better Pizza, the other possibilities are limitless.
JK
posted by A Knight Without Shining Armor @ 9:15 AM
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2 Comments:
Wow Mr. Knight -- you must have a sociologist in the house today.
A couple points I'd like to add:
We have large corporations to thank for the low minimum wage. Companies such as McDonalds, Wal-Mart, and other McBusinesses have used their wealth and power to both lobby in Congress and make large pay-offs to the Bush administration in order to keep the minimum wage from increasing.
As you noted, one way for us to send these McBusinesses a message is to stop buying their products. Small businesses are more likely to pay above the minimum wage and provide health benefits. So the next time you've just gotta have a greasy, cholesterol laden, heart attack inducing burger and fries --find your local Mom&Pop burger joint and skip the McGiant. Think of it as socially responsible dining.
Jennifer,
I do have a sociologist in the house. A very sexy one too :)
XXXOOO
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