Resolution in support of $15 an hour minimum wage.
Whereas, the federally-mandated minimum wage in the United States, $7.25 an hour, is an unlivable wage, and full-time low-wage employees are often forced to rely on public aid such as food stamps and public housing or shelters in order to survive.
Whereas, every business in America functions with the protection, infrastructure and economic and political security and stability provided by the country as a whole and paid for by our citizens through income and sales taxes as well as by the personal sacrifices made when our country is involved in armed conflict.
Whereas, U.S. businesses should employ individuals so that they may earn at least the minimum wage. This should be a standard cost of doing business.
Whereas, it is one function of government to determine and enforce minimum standards of compensation along with worker rights and protection, and thus efforts to influence legislation are appropriate citizen actions.
Therefore It Is Resolved, the EHST supports a minimum wage of $15.00 nationally, without the loss of food and medical benefits.
Passed by the membership on 1/31/2016.