Dear Editor,
In Rockland County, thousands of people living on minimum wage struggle to make ends meet. The minimum wage in New York is currently $7.25 per hour, or $15,080 per year. About 80 percent of New Yorkers support a raise in the current minimum wage.
In the past 5 years, the New York State minimum wage has only been increased by 10 cents. Our current minimum wage is not enough for families to pay for basic necessities such as rent, food, clothing, heating, transportation, medical bills, and saving for the future. At this time, it is even harder for some to live on minimum wage due to the devastation following Superstorm Sandy.
A raise in the New York State minimum wage would make the quality of life better for more than 1 million New Yorkers. Also, some people think that increasing the minimum wage could further harm the economy, or could cause job loss. However, rather than harming the economy, raising the minimum wage increases consumer spending and boosts the economy.
If the minimum wage is increased, people have more money to spend on basic necessities. It is important to raise awareness among the public about this important issue. Those who work full time should have enough money to keep up with the cost of living in New York. It is time to raise the New York State minimum wage.
Please view my YouTube Public Service Announcement at the link provided below. In the description box, there is more information regarding the minimum wage and what you can do to help. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bB5EqmieYlM
Sincerely,
Hannah Buckler, Girl Scout
New City
Right to work is a right to be in poverty.