Editorial: It's high time for higher wages

Recently, we’ve learned a cab fare will increase this spring by 26 percent. The Taxi driver’s union says that increase is necessary, based on standard of living needs and the fact that fares have been the same for over eight years.

New Yorkers balked a bit at the deal, but are getting ready to dig deeper when the time comes.

Last year, New Yorkers were forced to pay the 25 percent increase on a subway fare — once a $1.50 ride now costs $2.00. Movie prices increased, as did rent, the price of a stamp, milk, gas and countless other goods and services.

While New Yorkers suffer the unrelenting body blows of price increases, there’s one thing that remains the same — The minimum wage.

Currently, the wage is set at $5.15. If you work 40 hours, you make $206 a week and $10,712 a year — all before taxes. Alone, those numbers are distressing. Factor in a majority of those living on minimum wage earnings are women supporting families, the conditions become abysmal.

Yes, the federal government sets the wage, but a state can increase it if it so desires. Currently, 12 states and Washington D.C.—whose rate is automatically set $1 above federal standards — have higher minimum wages.

Right now, there’s a push in Albany to increase the state’s minimum wage to $6.75 — an increase of 31 percent.

Supporters say it’s about time. New York’s minimum wage has not increased since 1997.

More than 1 million New Yorkers are currently in minimum wage jobs. Research by the Fiscal Policy Institute shows that contrary to popular belief; adults outnumber teenagers who hold these low-income positions—79 percent more adults according to the study.

The study also finds, states that have higher minimum wages, do not necessarily have higher unemployment rates. It shows job opportunities for the working poor are still in abundance.

However, opponents of the rate increase say it will mean fewer jobs for the unskilled—immigrants mainly.

They also think employers will be more likely to higher the middle class teen — who needs the job for pocket change—more readily then they would an adult with children.

Both sides may have strong points. However, perhaps the strongest point should be; Can those living on minimum wage really live? Can they afford to pay rent, buy food, clothing and other necessities on their income while the price of everything else increases?

Give these people their due. Since 1997, state assembly members have gotten a raise why can’t they?