Raising the minimum wage is a step toward increasing opportunity
No one should have to choose between paying rent and buying groceries
Last week, the House of Representatives passed the Raise the Wage Act, which would increase the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025. Increasing the minimum wage is a crucial step to build a country where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Indeed, a living wage is something that is desperately needed in Nebraska. As of 2016, 82.5% of families earning less than $3,400 per month are working. This means families are working hard, but are barely making enough to scrape by. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nebraska consistently ranks as one of the states with the highest number of people working multiple jobs.
Even holding down two jobs may not be enough to meet their basic needs at times. Wages are simply not keeping up with the cost of living, with 42% of low paid families spending one-third of their income on housing alone. Families should not have to struggle; to choose between paying their rent and buying groceries.
Raising the minimum wage is a step toward removing obstacles and increasing opportunity, When we all have the opportunity to thrive, all communities across our state thrive, as well.
Nebraska Appleseed applauds our leaders in the House who voted in favor of low-paid workers. We will continue to fight for economic solutions that uplift all Nebraskans.