Some Wisconsin
legislators are promoting raising the minimum wage. This would mean more money
in student’s pockets for part time jobs and an overall increase in spending
throughout communities.
Whitney Puent,
UW-La Crosse junior, agrees that, “$7.25 is not enough. Look at those who do
not have financial support from their parents. Some of my friends live off food
stamps. If I didn’t have outside help, I wouldn’t be able to survive. Combine
electricity, food, and other utilities, and there’s no money left over before I
can even pay my rent. I’m a full time student who works over 20 hours a week.
It’s ridiculous.”
Senator Nikiya
Harris writes in a press release, “In 2012, over 190,000 workers in the city of
Milwaukee worked ‘poverty-wage jobs.’” Many of these workers she describes were
20 year olds. This covers a large demographic of college-aged students. Harris
and some colleagues believe that the minimum wage today of $7.25 is no longer
enough to cover basic living expenses.
To view the complete statement,
visit http://www.thewheelerreport.com/wheeler_docs/files/1125harris.pdf.
