Minimum Wage: Democratic Policy or Ploy?
by Rob Metzler
A recent Buffalo News series and increasing Congressional debate have brought the working poor in America into the spotlight, but far too often they live in a sort of media blackout. As Congress debates increasing a stagnant minimum wage—it has stayed at $5.15 for nine years now, meaning full-time workers earn a astonishing $10,712 annually—members of both houses can expect to see a “cost of living increase” of $3,300 added on to their $165,200 salary starting in January. As the media focuses on wedge issues such as gay marriage and flag burning, are more important problems being brushed aside?
Click to watchName: David Grannice
Occupation: Retired
Residence: East Aurora
What could the media do to better represent the issue of poverty in America today? I think [the poor] are doing just fine. The Buffalo News is certainly on their side.
How much of the effort by Democrats to block pay raises for members of Congress until the minimum wage goes up is genuine or just an “election year” ploy? It’s a ploy. The Democrats say they want to help the poor, but they haven’t done anything yet.
How much should the minimum wage be? I think it should stay where it is.
Should there be a maximum wage for CEOs? No, a maximum wage would be counterproductive.
Name: Mary Fox
Occupation: Associate professor at Daemen College
Residence: Amherst
What could the media do to better represent the issue of poverty in America today? Truly cover the corruption that is taking place at the highest level of government. They go after the small welfare fraud, but they let companies like Halliburton get away with billions. Its egregious and it needs to be corrected.
How much of the effort by Democrats to block pay raises for members of Congress until the minimum wage goes up is genuine, or just an “election year” ploy? Both. I support it completely. They can’t give themselves a raise until they raise the minimum wage.
How much should the minimum wage be? $8 with benefits, so something around $10 to $12. $5.15 is sinful.
Should there be a maximum wage for CEOs? I definitely support it. The pensions of the CEOs are out of control.
Name: Debby Strauch
Occupation: Civil Service worker
Residence: Tonawanda
What could the media do to better represent the issue of poverty in America today? Expose what the higher-ups are making compared to what the little guy is getting. Covering what people in daycare and nursing homes are making and how hard their jobs are.
How much of the effort by Democrats to block pay raises for members of Congress until the minimum wage goes up is genuine, or just an “election year” ploy? I think they definitely play it up for the election years.
How much should the minimum wage be? I think it naturally goes with your education and skills, but I’d like to see it go up to around $8. There’s so many families working on or slightly above minimum wage, and they would need less help from the government.
Should there be a maximum wage for CEOs? It would be nice if they could cut some of their salaries, since they make so much in other benefits.
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