WAGES: Can spark economic turnaround

Hardship preys on poor to middle class American workers. This isn’t news, but what is the solution? For one thing, wage increases paid to these people who faithfully show up for work, day after day will, in turn, ratchet up the economy.

You ask, how can that get us out of this economic slump? My take is these dedicated employees will have more cash to spend for necessities, an occasional family night out, and education for their children. They will spend more money. The key word here is “spend.”

The poor among us also have dreams and ambitions, but are unable to obtain their goals unless the federal government increases the minimum wage. If this happens, a ladder of opportunity will allow them to join the middle class. As a result, a demand for goods and services will improve. Tuition assistance is most important. The majority of us were not born with a silver spoon in our mouth so the opportunity of becoming educated will open the door to success.

Economic turnaround must be built from the middle class out, not from the top down. Our path of recovery should benefit all Americans, not the wealthy few. The government can continue providing tax breaks for big business and for the wealthy, but guess what? Without a “demand” for goods, these businesses will not hire more workers because whatever they are peddling will not sell. Economic growth from the top down obviously doesn’t work.

Economic security can be obtained for struggling American families who are working multiple jobs. These are the people who need tax breaks, not the wealthy! These are the people who will appreciate a level playing field.

Where is our compassion for those among us? If we as a Christian nation sincerely care about our brothers and sisters, our conscious will prompt us to provide them the tools to meet their basic needs. I’m not talking about handouts that provide the giver with a good-guy fix, but employers paying their dedicated employees a fair wage and the federal government granting a tax break to these families. If the employed poor become less stressed about making ends meet, the ambitious among them will recognize a glimmer of hope, and will have a means to climb the ladder of success.

Let’s do the right thing.

JANIE HANSEN

Coeur d’Alene