Is Montana’s Minimum Wage Working?
I was reading this article about the affordable housing crisis that is facing our nation. Apparently, there is not a single state in the U.S. where a minimum-wage employee working full-time can reasonably afford a one-bedroom apartment at the fair market rent.
The article was based on a report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
There have been a number of states that have raised their own minimum wages, but even with that, a worker would have to work an incredible amount of hours to be able to afford a one-bedroom apartment as listed above and that is only if the hours are available.
According to this article, minimum wage workers in Montana would need to work 54-plus hours a week to afford this housing.
We weren't the highest though. Workers in Washington, D.C., would have to work 100-plus hours a week to make this happen. On a good note, Montana was one of the lowest in the number of hours needed.
There are two sides to this fence.
There are plenty of small businesses that are struggling just to stay open, let alone pay extra wages.
It's a hard road for a lot of people and businesses alike.
What do you think? Is Montana's minimum wage working out for the best for the workers and businesses?
Tell me your thoughts on this.