Posts that cover the broad issue of fairness in society in regard to jobs, insurance, business startup, etc.

Working mother with child in her lap

A Living Wage: A Safety Net for Children

A low minimum wage affects the health and well-being of an entire family. The families of working mothers pregnant or with babies and young children are especially vulnerable. A low minimum wage is way below adequate to build and sustain healthy children. And it can lead to the disintegration of families and put more stress on the state's already overstressed foster care system.

Dignity of Work Relates Directly to What It Pays

The minimum wage is established by the state of West Virginia and applies equally to every county in the state. It isn't just a measure of how much a person can make, it's also a proxy for how much dignity we assign to a job. A minimum wage can by rights be associated with minimum dignity, especially when it isn't high enough to pay the bills and live comfortably. The minimum wage has to be pegged to the rate of inflation to maintain a person's regard for their job.

Underpaying People Can Be Deadly

A minimum wage that is so low it can't provide for the basic needs of a person can have serious health effects. Significantly, it is associated with a breakdown in mental health that can lead to drug dependence, increased family violence, and even to suicide. All of these statistics are higher in West Virginia than in other states. The minimum wage in West Virginia is too low.