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A few thoughts on living wage estimates:
1. Estimates that only calculate costs for 1 adult ignore the reality that A LOT of people support loved ones, even if they're not legal guardians.
1. Estimates that only calculate costs for 1 adult ignore the reality that A LOT of people support loved ones, even if they're not legal guardians.
2. Most use housing estimates that don't take things like location to school or work into consideration. And without adequate public transportation finding housing is more complicated than just finding the cheapest apartment.
3. Most estimates assume people work 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year. If your schedule gets cut, if you get sick, if the business is closed on holidays, you lose critical income.
4. Many, like the one estimates we worked on at the NC Justice Center, don't even make allowance for people to eat outside of the home or go to see a movie or for a child to go on a school field trip. These estimates are MEAGER.
Finally, yes, we need to raise the minimum wage. We also need universal childcare, national healthcare, and other policies that support workers and families. We can't simply raise the wage and continue to underfund the safety net.
