[Winona Online Democracy] Greetings,
Since the living wage issue has come up again, I thought I'd also repost a good source living wage information that I had previously mentioned on the list . . . here is a reprint of my message from last August. . . -Steve Kranz ---------------- 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 "The Cost of Living in Minnesota" on-line report is now available. Click here for a PDF version." 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 If the above link to the Bemidji Article doesn't work, click here: http://tinyurl.com/u6pt -Steve Kranz ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul Double" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Online Democracy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, November 07, 2003 10:12 PM Subject: FW: [Winona] 363 Days Since this discussion is again on the table again the previous sources provide answers to some of the questions. The Formula for the "Universal Living Wage" http://wwwuniversallivingwage.or/ulwformula.htl Using the formula and based on the "2004 Winona County" Rates Schedule B Federal Register/ Vol. 68 No 190 are: Family of one $ 6.35 per hour Family of two $ 8.29 per hour Family of Three $ 10.48 per hour Family of Four $13.10 per hour Family of Five $ 14.67 per hour It is my reading that this is the gross pay rate the individual receives for every hour worked and does not include the added cost for the employer of workers compensation, unemployment compensation, health benefits, FICA, Medicare, clothing allowances, tool allowances, meal allowances, continuing educational benefits, vehicle usage, holidays, paid personal days, paid sick leave or vacation time. Assumptions are that only one family member is working and that that person is not working any overtime. If they worked 20 hours per week overtime it would increase their base rate on all hours worked by by 16.7% per hour assuming time and one half is paid on all hours over 40. Paul Double -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, November 06, 2003 10:17 PM Chris; These are excellent questions; Can we take them and use them to begin a new conversation at WOD, one on the whole concept of a livable wage? What is it? What does it include, i.e., salary, benefits, sick time, vacation, etc.? How many employers in Winona now offer one? Is it feasible to pass an ordinance requiring all Winona business to pay one by [date]? Dean Lanz. _______________________________________________ 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
