Letter to the editor: Why we should hike minimum wage

An incremental raise in the minimum wage should be considered a payback to whatever was left of the foundation of our economy, since 70% of our economy is supported by the taxpayer.

Remember, 70% of economic support comes from the taxpayer. As a result, the burden on the taxpayer placed the taxpayer deeper in debt. Credit card debt is at an all-time high.

The cost of living increase over the last 20 years-plus made the minimum wage a negligible rate. The credit card debt increase placed many people at a critical place near bankruptcy.

How could there have been an increase in spending when incomes stayed the same? Credit cards. What does that say?

Just think: If credit cards were taken away from the consumer, the economy would be hurt. A small increase in wage would help millions of people, with increments to follow up to $15 an hour. $15 an hour will lessen poverty.

Remember a small increase in wages will not make people rich but will give them something to look forward to.

An increase in gas prices, an increase in the price of food, an increase in the cost of housing are only the basics, and millions of people cannot afford all three.

Let’s start at $7.25 an hour and increase each year to $15 an hour. The people need a chance to stay in the game. Never mind hitting a home run — millions of Americans cannot even get on base.

Ron Kasper

Whitehall