Housing costs are suffocating average citizens in Montgomery County, Maryland. Skyrocketing rents are crushing us while our wages remain stagnant. This petition comes from personal experience, as the cost of living continues to rise, dwarfing any minimal wage increases we receive. Just last year, my rent increased by 12% while my full-time job barely granted me a 2% wage increase. Despite existing rent control laws , landlords seem to find ways around them, leaving many of us struggling to stay afloat. This disconnect between wages and living costs is unjust and unsustainable.

This is not simply an isolated issue affecting a few. It's a systemic problem that impacts the bulk of working families in Montgomery County who endure the hardships of inflation. If you are reading this, then you or someone else you know is likely feeling this impact too. It's time for a viable, equitable solution: our wages should be tied to the average rent in the county.

By doing this, we create a balance, a harmony between wages and housing costs, and offer employers and landlords competition. This translates to a fair market where all parties have to work together to ensure everyone wins.

Stand with us in demanding the Montgomery County Government tie the minimum wage to the average rent. It's a crucial step towards economic fairness. Let's put the onus on those who have the power to help us make ends meet. Please, sign this petition today.

Reference:

• Average weekly wages, 4th quarter, 2023: $1792 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Median rent across Montgomery County:
  • $2020 for a 700 square foot one bedroom apartment in Rockville (Apartments.com)
  • $3691 for a 1000 square foot townhouse (Apartments.com)
• There were 0 listings for rentals below $1,500 per month in December 2024, and only 17% of listings were below $2,000 per month.

Remember:

• Property managers require your income to be three times your salary.
• Factor in 30-40% tax (state, local, federal).