Why Miami Should Support the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013
Past national legislative efforts to raise the minimum wage have been unsuccessful, even though a great majority of our small business owners and fellow citizens, across all political spectrums, are for a minimum wage increase. A new poll shows that, “67 percent of small-business owners support increasing the federal minimum wage and adjusting it yearly to keep up with the cost of living,” according to a recent Miami Herald article. So why is the momentum for the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013 not stronger?
In 1968, the minimum wage was $21.72an hour (adjusted to our current level of productivity). When compared to today’s $7.25 an hour, it is clear that we need to take immediate action. The wage gap impacts the wellbeing of our community and our ability to revitalize for a stronger Miami. Recent data places Miami as the most unbankedlarge U.S. city, one of the worst in upward incomemobility, and the least civicallyengaged. The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013 would increase the federal minimum wage to $10.10 and bring 6 million workers out of poverty, positively impacting our current placement in the above categories. Don’t you think it is time to take action for a healthier Miami?
Join ROC United, restaurant workers, community advocates and organizers, labor allies, and everyday supporters tomorrow, July 24th at 12:30pm at the IBEW parking lot located at 1657 NW 17th Avenue, Miami, FL 33125. Take a step for change!
