To: The Vermont State House, The Vermont State Senate, and Governor Phil Scott
Living Wage Now.
We call on the state government to pass an immediate wage increase; the current $8.73 wage is absurdly low (though high by national standards). It allows for no reasonable standard of living and keeps all wages fairly low. $12/hr, immediately.
Why is this important?
Working for $8.73 is absurd, and offers no change of finding decent housing, food, or a reasonable life. It contributes dramatically to the vast inequality in the country; Vermont, though better in ways, is overall no exception. It also has the effect of making wages in the $9-11/hr range seem reasonable, when they are in fact woefully inadequate. A minimum wage increase is not by any means all that is needed to combat the inequality and vast economic disparity of the region and country, but it is helpful, a start, and extremely important nonetheless.