Raise the minimum wage

To the Editor;

It’s no surprise to anyone that families are struggling. In 2008, when the economy tanked, we all struggled, but now, corporate profits have risen. You would never know it, though, looking at communities across Maine. That’s because, while corporate profits have returned, wages have not risen with them. Corporations are back on top, but the people making Wal-Mart and McDonald’s function are forced to live in poverty.

People I know and love are affected by this policy. One couple has a total of three jobs between them, and even though they only have one child, they still struggle to keep food on the table. Another couple has two low-wage jobs, and they can’t even afford an apartment, so they are confined to living with family. Another person I know had to drop out of college because he couldn’t afford to live and pay for school.

These people are just some of the 160,000 Mainers who would be affected by the minimum wage increase on the ballot this year. These people work hard, and they deserve a living wage. Moreover, our economy needs this boost. We need families like these to be able to shop in our stores, eat in our restaurants and buy homes in our neighborhoods. That grows our state, our businesses and gives thousands more Mainers a good shot.

Santa Barbosa 
Bangor