Growing up as an American, I have always believed that everyone should have a fair shot at prosperity. However, over the years, I have witnessed an ever-expanding wealth gap that seems to make the American Dream increasingly out of reach for many. Ensuring a fair and justified minimum wage is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention to bridge this economic chasm.

The current federal minimum wage stands at $7.25 per hour, a rate that has not changed in over a decade. This stagnant wage has not kept pace with inflation and the rising costs of living, forcing millions of workers to juggle multiple jobs just to make ends meet. It is high time we address this critical issue with a strategic approach that not only benefits the workers but is also fair to the businesses and the economy.

I propose that the minimum wage be set at $10 and if this model is higher based on the earnings of the highest-paid employees. For companies that outsource, the minimum wage should be 1/32 of the highest-paid employee's hourly wage including benefits. For those that operate in-house, the minimum wage should be 1/20 of the highest-paid employee's total compensation, including any stock bonuses at market price when received. This would ensure that all employees benefit from the company's success and incentivize equitable growth.

As an example if the highest-paid employee makes a 1 million dollar salary and works 40 hours a week for 52 weeks that is a hourly wage of about 480$ so let’s say they outsource that is 15$ an hour which many have suggested minimum wage should be for their in house workers that would be 24$ a hour which neither of these are crazy as long as the top paid employee isn’t being overcompensated. The corporate ladder is currently this Shareholders, Executives, Realism, Customers, Employees when in reality it should be Realism, Customers, All Employees including Executives, Shareholders which would funnily enough probably bring higher returns than currently.

The wage disparity is not just an economic issue it is a moral one. According to the Economic Policy Institute, if the federal minimum wage had kept up with productivity, it would be over $24 per hour today. Such statistics highlight the pressing need for a revision of our wage policies to ensure fairness and dignity for every worker.

Implementing a fair wage policy as proposed not only addresses the pressing wage gap issue but also fosters a more equitable society where everyone has a real chance at succeeding, thus creating a stronger and more resilient economy.

Let us come together and urge policymakers to enact these changes for a fairer and more prosperous future for all. Sign this petition to demand a just minimum wage policy that truly reflects the values of hard work and fairness. Together, we can make a difference. Please use #EndTheWageGap if you want to bring more attention to this cause and if you really want this policy contact your representatives and force them to decide which side they take not answering is the same as a no and if they say no or don’t answer vote for a representative that will answer yes when their term ends.