LWVK Study

From Kansans Respond, Fall 1999

The living wage movement is a grassroots response to
the government practice of rewarding corporations
with subsidies and contracts without regard to the
well-being of those who work for the companies, and
to the overall impact on communities.

The living wage movement began in 1994 when
religious leaders in Baltimore realized that
growth in low wage employment, fueled by
privatization of city services and the city's
economic development practices, had forced working
families to rely increasingly on churches to help
make ends meet.

They found that Baltimore taxpayers were, in effect,
subsidizing low-wage business practices and that
charities were picking up the tab. They formed a
coalition, which resulted in passage of the first
municipal living wage ordinance.

More than 30 cities and counties have since enacted
living wage requirements.

A living wage policy establishes an absolute minimum
level of pay. Enacted either through local ordinance
or legislation, living wage laws cover companies that
receive governmental contracts, subsidies, and/or tax
breaks.

The wage level is the hourly wage for a worker
employed full-time that will bring a family of four
out of poverty. New federal government standards by
the Census Bureau will be setting the poverty level
benchmark at $9.37 an hour. Many living wage
campaigns also encourage standards of health benefits
and certain types of leave.

People who work full time year round should earn
enough to rise from poverty. They should earn enough
to take care of their families without going to
public or private assistance. Taxpayers should not be
required to foot the bill for employers who profit
from offering a less than living wage. Tax dollars
should be used to strengthen the economy.

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