Alabama’s cost of living is rising, but our minimum wage remains stagnant at $7.25. This means working families struggle to afford basic needs like rent, food, and transportation. A fair wage is essential for a decent quality of life. We call on Governor Kay Ivey and our state legislators to pass Senate Bill 171, raising the minimum wage to $15 by 2027.

The average cost of living in Alabama is about $3,130 per month for a single adult, which is roughly $37,600 per year, and for a family of four, it’s about $6,308 per month, or $75,700 per year. Average rent for a two-bedroom unit is about $1,046 per month, and healthcare costs about $7,505 per year.

 With these rising costs, the federal minimum wage of $7.25 is far below what working families need to survive. Fair pay is not a luxury; it is a necessity.

We, the undersigned, also call for an immediate increase in the tipped minimum wage, which is currently just $2.13 per hour. Waitstaff rely on tips, but the low hourly wage leaves them vulnerable, especially when tips fluctuate. By raising the tipped minimum wage to at least $5.50 per hour, we ensure that all hard-working servers are compensated fairly. Together, let’s create a future where every worker earns a wage they can live on.

Sign now and help us create a future where work is rewarded with dignity and families can thrive.