WASHINGTON -Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) announced on Wednesday that he would participate in the “Live the Wage” challenge by living for one week, starting on July 24, on just $77 – which is the amount left over for average full-time minimum-wage workers after taxes and housing expenses.
More than 600 economists and business leaders have called on Congress to raise the minimum wage, which would boost the wages of 28 million workers by $35 billion, generate $22 billion in economic activity, and support the creation of 85,000 new jobs.
“The ‘Live the Wage’ challenge will give me an opportunity to walk in the shoes of millions of Americans who struggle every single day just to make ends meet,” said Takano. “With goods and services constantly getting more expensive, it is time to give minimum wage workers a long overdue raise, as no one who works full time should live in poverty.
“Although I know that I can never fully understand what it is like to live on the minimum wage, this challenge will give me a small glimpse into the lives of many people in my district and millions around the country. I call on all members of Congress to participate in the challenge and to pass legislation that will raise the wage.”
Takano joins former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) and Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) in the challenge.