Thanks for posting this link. It is interesting to note that the wages listed in all of the configurations (from single adult, no children to married couple with two children) would be considered to be very good wages in Winona. Even without the expense of transportation, (and John Finn is correct: it is quite possible to get by without a car, depending upon where you live in Winona), such wages make planning for life's emergencies, or even back to school supplies, very difficult for many here in Winona.
Terri Hyle
From: "Steve Kranz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [Winona] Living Wage Date: Sat, 16 Aug 2003 09:27:06 -0500
[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
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