1. United States
2. Ky.
3. Letter

“Require Corporations to Pay a Federal Living Wage Based on Household Needs” Too many working Americans cannot meet their basic needs even while working full-time. The Federal Living Wage Act proposes legal wage requirements based on household size and real-world cost of living. This legislation would ensure that no full-time worker is forced to live in poverty. The current minimum wage system is outdated and insufficient. In 2025, conservative estimates show that a single parent with two children needs $38/hour to meet basic needs—and even single adults require $22/hour on average just to survive. Yet millions still earn below $15/hour.\n\nWorkers often receive promotions in title only, with no increase in pay. They are expected to take on more responsibility while their wages stagnate. This is devaluation of labor.\n\nParents are choosing between rent, food, and medication. They are telling their children they can’t afford school supplies or extracurriculars—not because they’re irresponsible, but because their work is underpaid. Overtime becomes survival, not a bonus. And families suffer.\n\nThis proposed act would:\n- Mandate living wages scaled by family size\n- Penalize corporations that underpay workers\n- Protect whistleblowers and reward loyalty\n- Reduce poverty and strengthen communities\n\nThis is not radical. It’s reasonable. Work should pay enough to live.\n\nWe demand living wage legislation—because praise without pay is exploitation.