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It’s a training wage

Sun., Sept. 15, 2013

I read with interest Lawrence Schuchart’s Sept. 8 letter to the editor regarding a livable wage. He then went on to state that the minimum wage was $1.25 in 1963, which after adjusting for inflation would be $8.37. Minimum wage is not supposed to be a living wage.

The purpose of a minimum wage is for the new worker to gain experience and train for a better-paying job. It is not supposed to be to support a family. One should not have a family until they have training for a higher-paying job. That usually means getting some type of education beyond high school.

I have heard several people state that one cannot live on a minimum wage job. I have one question: How are immigrants supporting families on minimum-wage jobs?

Patricia McManus

Spokane Valley

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