Working and poor: What steps should government take to help? [View All]

[prolesunited]

I was reading an excellent article in the May 31 Business Week describing the current conditions for the working poor and it brought home many of the challenges and difficulties the working poor face.

To me, it seems grossly unfair that we people who are out there every day in the trenches do not make enough money to provide the basic necessities for themselves and their families.

Some interesting facts:
• More than 28 million people, about a quarter of the workforce between 18 and 64, earn less than $9.04 an hour, which translates into an annual salary of $18,800.
• Overall, 63% of families below federal poverty line have one or more workers.
• Nearly 60% are white and the majority possess high school diplomas, even some college.
• Most low-wage workers do not have paid sick leave or vacation, health benefits or pension plans.

So what is the solution. The magazine provided a list of solutions. Granted, implementing them all would be the best, but if you could only pick ONE, which would be of most benefit.

Please take the opportunity to weigh in on the situation, rank the solutions and provide your own suggestions. There is plenty here to discuss.

I think if we could formulate some viable solutions, people would respond. How does Kerry's platform address some of these issues?