Why is it that the cost of living is continually rising, while minimum wage has barely increased to meet basic needs of the general public? Many people live in poverty due to the fact that the government has given business owners a bare minimum to pay its workers, which is causing many Americans to do without.

We need to urge the government to increase minimum wage from $6-$8 (give or take per state) to between $15 - $20 to meet the basic requirements of the cost of living. As Americans, it is not just to continue to raise the cost of living and not raise to minimum wage to help cover that cost. Right now approximately 35.9 million Americans live below the poverty level, including 12.9 million children. This difference in wages would help bridge the ever widening gap between the rich and the poor, as well as making a real difference in the economy. If people were making a couple thousand more a year at their jobs then they wouldn't be so hesitant to go out and buy a new car, home, etc. This would be a real stimulas plan, in comparision to giving some Americans a couple hundred dollars. I urge you to make the changes needed to make this happen.