"I would like to remind those members of the committee, who belong to the DFL that the DFL platform supports a minimum wage that keeps pace with inflation and provides full time workers with an income above the poverty level. To be not poor, people need to earn enough money to afford them the necessities for a dignified life. This is certainly not possible with the current state minimum wage, it is not possible with the $7.75 senate version and it is also not possible with the $9.50 house version. These are all poverty wages. Again, even $9.50/hr would not put an end to poverty wages here in MN.
As Rep. Winkler mentioned yesterday, 40% of MN jobs pay $14 or less. Let’s be honest. These are all poverty wages and they all contribute to rising inequality, a major issue in the U.S. For example, you may be familiar with the statistics that 95% of income gains in the last five years went to the top 1%. Inequality continues to increase and the modest minimum wage increases that are being discussed here and elsewhere will not reverse this trend.
I am currently taking an online class “Sustainable Development” taught by Jeffrey Sachs, a world-renowned professor of economics, a leader in sustainable development and Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University. He considers” social inclusion” as a pillar of sustainability. Inequality is not sustainable.
I am asking the question “who allows the economy to exploit people and the planet? Isn’t it time we put the economy in service of the people, while at the same time dealing respectfully with the planet? Isn’t it time we put people before profit? I am also asking the representatives here: Where does your primary responsibility lie? Is it with the people, or is it with corporations?
The DFL has a rare super-majority. Governor Dayton is on the record with his support of living wages. Minnesota has long been considered a progressive bellweather. You have a unique opportunity here to do something significant for working men and women. It is what everybody morally deserves – the prospect of a dignified life. Be courageous. Lead our state – and our nation – in securing the right of every worker to earn a decent living. It would be entirely in your power to enact the Minnesota Living Wage Act of 2014."