Wage law vital to moms

Mariah Cornwall on March 4 wrote, “The state of Washington has the highest minimum wage, so I think that these single moms should be competent in supporting themselves and their families without taking advantage of taxpayers who have provided for them.”

At the $9.04 per hour minimum wage, a mom would have to cobble together two or three jobs to work 40 hours a week. If she worked all 52 weeks, she would earn $18,803. That mom would be rewarded by living in substandard housing, driving a clunker, and needing food stamps. No medical or dental insurance. Child care?

Why would we begrudge this mom that wage and some extra help? I begrudge Home Depot’s chief executive officer, who was fired after less than a year yet given a $15 million going-away present. I am proud to live in a state that indexed the minimum wage to the cost of living.

Cornwall also states fathers should be accountable to support their children. Part of our taxes pay for state employees to track fathers to enforce child support.

I am far more concerned about the shriveling spirit of some Americans than the chance a single mom might get some help.

Larry Winters

Cheney