Is it enough?

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.daily-journal.com/archives/dj/display.php?id=402286

Consider that a box of cereal can cost nearly $4 and milk is going for about $3 per gallon or more. Utility bills -- especially electric and water -- have jumped an average of 25 percent this year, gasoline is still hovering about $3 a gallon and almost all costs related to health care continue to climb at an alarming rate.

Would a $1 per hour raise be enough to help the average worker earning minimum wage make ends meet?

On July 1, Illinois raised its minimum wage from $6.50 to $7.50 an hour. That's better than the federal minimum wage increase to $5.85 per hour that went into effect on July 24, but it's still not enough.

For individuals working 40 hours a week, that $1 increase equates to an extra $40 a week, $80 every two weeks, and $160 every month before taxes.

In other words, someone working full time at minimum wage earns about $300 per week, $1,200 per month -- before taxes. Take one-third off for taxes and that leaves $800. According to city-data.com, average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Kankakee County in 2006 was $677; that leave $123 for utilities, food, transportation, health care and miscellaneous.

[WindRavenX]

1. no, it's not enough

My fiance and I just finally got out of the living pay check to pay check spiral (I just graduated from college and it took a while to find a real job), and now that we're out, I can't believe someone can believe anything under 10$hr (and realistically, higher in urban cities) would be enough to not just get by, but to live a quality life where you don't worry how you're going to pay for unexpected bills or, god forbid, you get sick, hurt, or can't work.

So while it's a step in the right direction, it's a baby step. We need to push hard for real living wages and universal health care so American families don't have to count every penny or wonder how they're gonna afford health care AND rent.

</rant>

[Maggie_May]

2. Its impossible to make it on minimum wage job

You would have to work two jobs and I know people who work full time minimum wage job and than work a part time min job. Its hard and enough is enough. My kid thats 19 can't move out because he can't afford it. I know when I was his age I was out of the house. Not that I really care but its just crazy.

[liberal N proud]

3. No

[seriousstan]

4. No, that is why it is called minimum. I would expect my wages to increase above this.

When I was 17 I earned minimum wage. $3.25. I lived with 2 roommates. Then my wages increased.