Raising the Minimum Wage

Hard work deserves fair pay. That’s not partisan. That’s Texan.

Since 2009, prices in Texas have increased more than 50%.

Minimum wage hasn't moved.

For 17 years, politicians like Greg Abbott have kept wages frozen at $7.25 while everything else, groceries, rent, gas, childcare, has gone through the roof.

Let’s be honest about why: Because low wages are good for corporations and billionaires, even if they’re devastating for Texas families.

The problem

I still do not believe that $15/hour is a livable wage. Or even $20.

There is a rule of thumb -- influenced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) -- that states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of your gross income. More than this is considered to be "cost-burdened."

For someone working full time (40 hours per week) at $15/hr, 30% of gross income (not take home) is $780/month. At $20/hr, 30% of gross would be $1,040/month.

Notwithstanding the fact that housing at those rates is difficult, if not impossible to find, the point is that a minimum wage alone does not fix the problem of affordability in Texas. While addressing the issue of minimum wage, which has not been adjusted since 2009, is essential, we have more work to do beyond that.

Texas is currently one of only 18 states still tethered to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, a rate that hasn’t changed since July 24, 2009. And here’s what makes that even harder to swallow: since 2009, the number of billionaires in Texas has more than tripled, while working Texans haven’t seen a single raise. While state leaders brag about a so-called Texas Miracle, families are living through a seventeen-year wage freeze during a time of record-breaking inflation.

For 17 years, politicians like Greg Abbott have kept wages frozen at $7.25 while everything else, groceries, rent, gas, childcare, has gone through the roof.

Let’s be honest about why: Because low wages are good for corporations and billionaires, even if they’re devastating for Texas families.