If you ever want to affirm the state of the working class, stop and take a minute to talk to the person ringing up your groceries. You will discover the 20-something cashier working at your local Family Dollar probably works two jobs and lives paycheck to paycheck. Or chat with someone who cares for the elderly. Too often they see their clients cutting Meals on Wheels lunches in half to offset the cost of medications. Or talk to a school teacher. Many I know have stories about students suffering academically, socially and physically because they live in poverty. Many of these children’s only meal will be school lunch.
Generations of our young are in debt simply for pursing a higher education. Many are being forced to delay or put off families because their wages have not kept up with the economy.
That is why Rights & Democracy, along with Raise Up NH, is calling for an increase in New Hampshire’s minimum wage. Our state’s minimum wage has been stuck at the federal default of $7.25 an hour since 2011. That’s been eight years in which many workers have seen no pay increase, yet their cost of living has increased every year.
In the wealthiest country in world history, we have the power to eliminate poverty once and for all. If enough of us decide we will fight for our neighbors to earn a livable wage, we can achieve a New Hampshire where everyone has a seat at the table.
GENARA CLAY
Deering