Bare Cost of Living and Federal Minimum Wage

The 1968 minimum wage was equal to $9.33 [2006]. The cost of living in 1968 was also lesser in 2006 dollars. This would make even the least able person capable of making a suitable living wage! We did beat the Soviets' communism in that sense, and tenable welfare and other tax-provided public services can fill the gaps inbetween. But we lost to the lowest bidder when our state became unable to do this by allowing megaprivatization, corporatization, lagging out the minimum wage, and unbalancing the economy that is now threatening our Constituional framework and producing a poor lifestyle for millions in America and exploiting those around the world.

http://www.letjusticeroll.org/stateminimumwagechart.html
This chart shows the state minimum wages. The federal government recently did not pass a law that would make the minimum wage $7.50.

Monthly: hi low
Car insurance 78 78
Gasoline 200 100
Car care 150 50
Rents 500 300
Foods 400 300
Repayments 300 200
Stuff 200 22
Savings 200 50
Tax/Junk-15 305 165
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M-Total 2334 1265
Annual 28000 15144

Weekly Pre- Tax Income
538 291

Hourly Wage $14.00 $7.57
[2000hrs]

This is a rough estimation of the basic living needs of the average human being working in America. If they begin debt free, they can work easily and use $2400-3600 less per year, which would turn into $1.20-1.80 less per hour, changing the debtless basic plan to $6.37/hour. Car insurance for many states and drivers is higher than $78 per month. Savings selections may vary. Rent indicates shared inexpensive rented dwelling. Food may cost more than $400 per person per month. The Red Cross affords something like $75 weekly for a person for food. Purchase of 'stuff' assumes no 'major' spending events, like buying a leather jacket or new computer, or only every few months. Assume no health insurance, or job-only payers, or add it on top at ~60 biweekly, turning into +~$.75 hourly. The tax is also somewhat low and does not include state tax.

The state minimum wage in:

Massachusetts is $6.75. In January, 2007 it will become $7.50 FAIRish
Connecticut is $7.40. In 2007 it will become $7.65 FAIR
California has $6.75. In 2007 it will become $7.50 In 2008 it will become $8.00. Okay
New Hampshire: Federal Rate $5.15. POOR.
New York State is $6.75. It will become $7.15 in 2007. NOT-OK
Rhode Island is $7.10, which becomes $7.40 in 2007.
Vermont has $7.25, which is adjusted for inflation annually! KIND OF FAIR
Washingont State had $7.63, which is the highest minimum income state, which is adjusted for inflation annually. Only Washington state truly meets the living minimum figured here.