Letters submitted by BDN readers are verified by BDN Opinion Page staff. Send your letters to [email protected]
One of Donald Trump’s oft-repeated campaign promises was to renew the personal income tax cuts for billionaires and thousands of near billionaires.
Since the Republicans are in control of Congress, this has a good chance of passing in the next two years.
To help pay for this massive addition to the national debt, the Democrats should amend the bill by raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour. Currently, there are still 20 states that have a minimum wage equal to or below the federal minimum wage. Is there any reason why many of the largest employers should pay any of their associates $7.25 an hour?
President-elect Trump was asked repeatedly during his McDonald’s photo op about raising the minimum wage and he totally ignored the question. He also didn’t raise the minimum wage during his first term. Of course, Maine has just raised our minimum wage to $14.65 an hour and Portland’s minimum wage is $15.50 per hour. For a full-time worker that is almost $14,000 per year more than if they earned $7.25 an hour.
Write to your senators and congressman to support raising the federal minimum wage.
Gary Loft
Lamoine
