We are 8th graders from Manchester Essex Middle school and we believe that the minimum wage in Massachusetts is too low for families to sustain a healthy living environment. We did our research and found out that the average minimum wage worker can not afford to cover rent for 1 month in the average apartment. An average Boston apartment can cost anywhere from $2700 to $5800 per month. Working 40 hours a week for a month will only make $2400. Furthermore, after working for 40 hours a week, you only make $600 which is not nearly enough to sustain a household, let alone a family. None of these totals even include taxes! Even if it can cover the apartment price, workers probably will not be able to afford much food. The minimum wage being so low means that some people have to work 2 or more jobs just to sustain themselves or their families. In 2023, a study found 17,975 individuals are homeless in Massachusetts. Some of these individuals are employed, but cannot sustain themselves with this wage. Now is the time to act and make a change for the better.

We hope to make a change in the community. If you agree with our argument, please sign below to indicate your support of our cause.