When the wage went up, Ms. Parra mentioned, she might extra simply assist with lease and pay the cellphone and cable payments on the condominium th
When the wage went up, Ms. Parra mentioned, she might extra simply assist with lease and pay the cellphone and cable payments on the condominium that she shares along with her mom, who makes $18.50 an hour at a heating and air-conditioning firm.
She famous, nevertheless, that her wages weren’t sufficient for her to stay on her personal. “I wouldn’t say that we’re poor, however I additionally wouldn’t say that we’re properly off,” she mentioned. “However as a result of there may be each of us who’ve incomes, we’re in a position to do O.Ok.”
Mayor Jerry Dyer mentioned there have been “blended emotions, clearly,” concerning the rising minimal wage. “As a mayor of a metropolis, it’s essential that we’ve folks in our group who’re making a livable wage,” he mentioned.
However Mr. Dyer, a Republican, mentioned he additionally understood the ache that companies may be feeling. “I’ve heard from companies that if the minimal wage goes up an excessive amount of, they’re not in a position to be aggressive,” he mentioned.
“That’s the problem that we face,” he mentioned.
One prevailing query is whether or not $15 is sufficient.
In Fresno, it typically isn’t. M.I.T.’s Dwelling Wage Calculator estimates {that a} residing wage in Fresno for a household of 4, with each adults working, is $22.52 an hour. Previously 12 months, Fresno’s median lease elevated by 11 %, to $1,260, in line with Condominium Listing’s Nationwide Lease Report, among the many biggest will increase within the nation.
For 40 hours every week, Jessica Ramirez, 26, makes $15.65 an hour on the Amazon warehouse in Fresno. She is the first breadwinner for herself, her associate and her 5 kids, however even with meals stamps and occasional gig work, she mentioned, her wage is barely sufficient for them to get by.