March 19, 2024

Hard-working Iowans deserve a raise

Tammy Beouurek

Belle Plaine

Iowa is well behind the times when it comes to valuing its workforce and increasing the minimum wage. While Iowa’s wages stay frozen at $7.25/hr., 29 other states have voted for an increase above the federal minimum. An hourly wage of $7.25 equals out to $290 a week, $1,160 a month and less than $14,000 a year before taxes for an Iowan working a full-time, 40 hour work week. These numbers aren’t adequate to survive the costs of a 21st Century economy and provide little opportunity for upward mobility or investment potential.

While worker productivity has increased, Iowa’s wages have flatlined and lag far behind inflation. Had wages kept up with productivity, the adjusted minimum wage would be around $20/hour. But working families aren’t asking for $20/hr. They’re asking for a modest hike in wages that resemble an actual “living wage” needed to support a decent standard of living.

By refusing to pay workers adequate wages, the middle class continues to shrink as the nation moves more and more toward the path of an oligarchy governed by the top 1 percent. Without a wage increase, the income inequality gap will only widen as the American dream becomes less of a reality and more of an anomaly.

With its first in the nation status, Iowans know that we’re deeply divided on a variety of political issues. But raising the minimum wage isn’t a partisan issue. A recent poll conducted by Public Policy Polling showed that 72 percent of voters nationally support increasing the minimum wage.

Support for higher wages is equally strong among Iowans. According to a research poll conducted in October, 69 percent of Iowans are in favor of raising the wage. An adequate living wage ensures a better life for working families and our children. It’s a great example of the common sense, public policy we need in Iowa.

It’s time politicians and legislators started listening to their constituents instead of high-powered lobbyists and special interests who line their pockets with campaign donations. With the 2016 Iowa legislature now in session, contact your legislators today, and tell them the bare minimum is not enough. Tell them hard-working Iowans deserve a raise. Demand respect. Demand opportunity. Demand a better life. Demand a living wage today.