[Winona Online Democracy] Greetings,
We had a discussion a while back trying to determine what a "living wage" in Winona would be. I just thought I'd share a study that was released this week that might help answer the question. The study was funded by the Bremer, McKnight, Minneapolis, Phillips and Women's foundations as well as the Minnesota State Network Fund. It is the third update of original research begun as part of Jobs Now Coalition's "Job Gap Study" in l995. The latest report uses wage figures from 2002. "Relying on the most recent census, state and local government data, the report figures what it costs to support different types of families in every county and economic region in the state. The costs are based upon monthly budget requirements necessary to achieve a "no frills" standard of living. No money is included for debt payments or skills training. There's no entertainment budget, no restaurant meals, no vacation and nothing for emergencies, retirement or children's education." According to the study a living wage in the Southeast Minnesota region for a family of two adults and one child is $12.27/hour or $25,517/year. If both adults work, it would be a total of $17.37/hour (or $8.69/hour each). With two children and two adults, it would be $14.10/hour if one adult were working or $20.80/hour ($10.40 each) if both adults are working. The study cites figures for a variety of other family configurations, as well. An interesting statistic from the report is that in Southeast Minnesota, the cost of living is 17% lower than in the Metro area, but median wages are 25% lower. The report can be found at: http://www.jobsnowcoalition.org/ (click on the link that says "Click here for a sneak-peek of the pre-publication copy of "The Cost of Living in Minnesota" on-line report." once you get to the website). The report is a .pdf file and Southeast Minnesota is covered on page 41. The Bemidji Pioneer newspaper has an article about the report at: http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/Main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=83&ArticleID=11025 -Steve Kranz _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
