My parents have never been the type to supply me with money whenever I ask. They always strive to further my understanding of the value of a dollar and what I spend on non-necessities comes out of my own pocket.
That’s why I got my first job at 14. I sort of fell into the position. I was invited by my friend to volunteer at my now-workplace and ended up getting a permanent, paid spot as a manager. Yes I make money, and yes I can meet so many people whom I never would’ve without my position, but it’s hard. In springtime, I work multiple days a week including weekends, for hours upon hours at a time. I get paid minimum wage, and for me, that’s enough because I don’t have to use the money I make for important things like rent or food for my family.
But what baffles me is that there are people who have to completely live off of that same $16 an hour. Proposition 32 proposes raising California’s minimum wage to $18 dollars an hour.
Studies show that in order to live comfortably in California in 2024, a single adult must make $48,138 or $27.32 per hour. To put that into perspective, on a minimum wage salary, they must work 8.5 hours per day, including weekends and holidays. With a child, the necessary salary to live comfortably is almost double that.
If minimum wage kept up with inflation, at this point it would be closer to $21 an hour rather than $16. The last time inflation rates and minimum wage were in line with each other was in 1968. Looking for a $2 increase in California minimum wage is a small ask..
Some could argue that increasing the minimum wage would hurt small business owners. However, that is not true. Although businesses would have to pay higher wages, it would raise the standard of living for everyone which helps small businesses attract more customers and benefits them overall. Prop. 32 doesn’t enforce the change until 2026 if passed in 2024 and allows plenty of time for businesses to make the proper adjustments to accommodate for the increase.
For California inhabitants who make minimum wage, there shouldn’t have to be a choice between living in our state and living in poverty. California is the most expensive state to live in and should be the state to raise their wages first.
