WAGE: Idaho aims to raise it

I am sorry that The Press was not able cover the rally to publicly kick off the initiative to raise the minimum wage in Idaho. Regardless this event was newsworthy. This initiative, should the petition drive be successful at gaining some 70,000 signatures, will place on the November 2014 ballot a chance for Idaho citizens to vote into law an increase in the minimum wage. That is now $7.25 per hour. The initiative will raise it to $9.80 in increments by 2018 with it tied to the cost of living after that.

1) This effort is being spearheaded by an energetic and socially-conscious community volunteer and activist, Anne Nesse, who sees the obvious need and is willing to put in the time, effort, and, inevitably, personal resources to carry the vision forward.

2) This may be the last time in our state that a citizen-led initiative process will happen. Recent legislation, prompted by the success of the initiative against the “Luna Laws,” will limit the ability of ordinary citizens to successfully complete an initiative process by making it harder to obtain signatures.

3) This is a commendable effort, worthy of community support. It will make a significant difference in the lives of the 8 percent or so of Idahoans who are WORKING to support themselves and their families one of the lowest minimum wage rate in the country. In terms of economic health Idaho is nearly at the bottom of the list nationwide. Contrast that to our neighbor Washington state, with a minimum wage of $9.19, whose economic health is fourth in the nation! The initiative would also raise the wages of wait staff, who now earn $3.35 per hour, to $5.90. When the working poor have money, they spend it in the local economy for food, housing, transportation and health care: local small businesses benefit immediately and directly.

I urge any citizen who supports this idea, to print out the initiative and the signature sheet from the www.raiseIdaho.com website and circulate it to friends and neighbors. Join this “Do-It-Yourself” exercise in grassroots democracy and help gather the requisite number of signatures to get this to the ballot for everyone to have a say. You can also sign the initiative near the Wednesday Farmers Market at Fifth and Sherman 4-7 p.m.

PAULA NEILS

Hauser