Why Raise the Minimum Wage?
Our Top Reasons to Increase Idaho Workers’ Pay
Low-Wage Workers Are Being Left Behind
Thousands of Idaho moms and near-retirees working full time earn $15,080 a year. more…
1 in 7 Idahoans Live In Poverty
It’s true. 13% of Idahoans lived in poverty in 2019 despite record low unemployment. Anyone working a full-time job should not live in poverty. more…
Higher Wages Fuel Economic Growth
Increasing the minimum wage will boost Idaho’s economy because low-income people spend their money. more…
Higher Wages Reduce Need for Public Assistance
Low-wage workers rely on government subsidies but still run out of money before the end of the month. more…
LET IDAHOANS DECIDE IDAHO’S WAGES
Right now, Idaho lets the federal government decide our minimum wage. more…
Minimum Wage Today Buys Less than in 1950
Value of Federal Minimum Wage in 2021 Dollars
Workers Missed Out on Productivity Gains
The minimum wage would be much higher if increases had reflected productivity gains
The inflation-adjusted minimum wage, and hypothetical minimum wage values if they had been increased with average wages and productivity since 1968.
Worsening Unfair Distribution of Wealth
Top 0.1% Earnings Grew 15 Times Faster Than Earnings of the Bottom 90%
Cumulative percent change in real annual earnings, by earnings group, 1979-2018.
Low-Wage Workers are ESSENTIAL WORKERS!
You interact with them! They take care of us!
- Home Health / Personal Care Aides
- Substitute Teachers (short-term)
- Childcare Workers
- Waitresses, Waiters and support staff
- Cashiers
- Retail Salespeople
- Office and Hotel Clerks
- Maids / Housekeeping Staff
- Drivers / Sales Workers
- Janitors and Cleaners
- Bartenders
- Cooks & Food Prep Workers
- Dishwashers
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol & other recreational Workers
- Exercise Trainers & Fitness Instructors
- Hairdressers / Stylists / Cosmetologists
- Amusement / Recreation Attendants
- Fast Food Workers
Demographics of Low-Wage Workers
Workers Affected (by age)
No wonder young adults and teens still live at home! Workers in their prime earning years barely support themselves, much less save for retirement. Women disproportionately work in low-wage jobs
In Idaho, the highest number of workers who benefit from a minimum wage increase are ages 25 -39
Percent of Men and Women who earn low wages
Women disproportionately work in low-wage jobs.
Percent of Men and Women who earn low wages.
2019 CBO Estimates (raises 2020-2025)
Increased earnings far outweigh projected job losses.
Compare to Oregon and Washington
Data from states that have increased the minimum wage show unemployment and poverty falling with annual minimum wage increases.
Fairness for All
Taxpayers are subsidizing businesses paying low-wages with programs like SNAP, CHIP and Medicaid.
Economic research shows: Higher minimum wages “lift all boats”
Single Adult / No Children
Job: Librarian
• $8 / hour
Single Mom with 1 Child
Job: Home Health Worker
• $10 / hour
2 Adults, 2 Children
Jobs: Retail Sales, Waitress
• $9/hr; $3.35/hr (with tips $7.25)
Workers Run Out of Money Every Month
Savings > Impossible
| Income and Expenses | Librarian | Home Health Worker | Sales / Waitress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Income | $16,320 | $20,400 | $33,150 |
| Monthly Income* | $1,360 | $1,700 | $2,800 |
| Payroll Taxes | $105 | $130 | $215 |
| Housing | $600 | $860 | $1700 |
| Child Care | $0 | $500 | $1000 |
| Food (SNAP / Out of Pocket) | $315 / $180 | $465 / $205 | $925 / $450 |
| Transportation | $400 | $750 | $1110 |
| Other | $230 | $380 | $500 |
| Subtotal (What’s left) | $1,515 (-$155) | $2,825 (-$1,125) | $4,975 (-$2,175) |
Does not include: Medical, education, services, sick days, emergency expenses, income taxes, and more.
* Assumes 51 weeks of work/year
States that said “NO” to the federal minimum wage and increased wages by initiative.
74 Cities, Counties and States will Raise Wages this Year!
