Work Should Provide Economic Security
Jobs & Living Wages
Jan Schneider believes that the employment issue goes beyond creating jobs and reducing unemployment. It is about jobs with living wages and security for working families.
Recent Job Growth
Fortunately, 2023 turned out to be a strong year for jobs, labor supply and wage growth. The United States started 2024 with an unemployment rate of 3.7 percent and job creation statistics exceeding expert predictions. The declining jobless rate combined with the drop in inflation from 6.5% for 2022 to 3.4% for 2023 signified a robust economy.
Beyond Job Creation
The initial goal is a job for every American who wants one. But beyond that, the goal should be jobs with living wages providing economic security for working families. The current federal hourly minimum wage of $7.25 has not increased since 2009. It fails to accord parents, even with two full-time wage earners, the ability comfortably to support themselves and their children.
The Minimum-Wage Fight
During the pandemic, the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives passed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. It included a minimum wage increase to $15 per hour over four years. This raise was, however, removed from the Senate version of the bill.
A Moral and Economic Issue
This is not only a financial and political issue, but also a moral matter. A country that bestowed $1.5 trillion in tax cuts on the richest Americans and wealthy corporations in the Trump Tax Cuts and Jobs Act should surely be able to ensure living wages for working families.
What Jan Will Fight For
Jan will fight against joblessness and for jobs with living wages. In particular, she supports raising the federal minimum wage to $15 over a period of three or four years and thereafter indexing it to inflation. Opponent Vern Buchanan (R-FL16) voted to raise the minimum wage to $7.25 back in 2007, but he has thereafter opposed further increases, including in thepandemic relief package. The two also disagree on related issues, including tax policies, gender gaps and healthcare.
