Strimling earns support for diligence, wage plan

Wil Tibby, Mount Vernon

For a democracy to thrive, there must be the opportunity for economic equality -- for all of the citizens. This is one of the salient hallmarks of what Maine, and indeed America, is all about.

That is the way it is supposed to be, but today the rich are getting richer, the poor, poorer. The once-fabled middle class is in danger of becoming extinct.

We Mainers are strong, capable and reliable workers who deserve a shot at being able to earn enough to cover the basic necessities of life.

We are not to be ignored, and by we, I mean adult wage earners
-- many of them women who are struggling single parents, who
can be encouraged by the efforts being made by state Sen. Ethan Strimling, who has brought forth to the Legislature a proposed raise in the state's minimum wage of $7 per hour to $8.40 per hour.

This increase would not break the backs of business, forcing them to cut jobs; in fact, studies do indicate that minimum- wage increases have no relationship with downsizing or layoffs.

The working man and woman would, with just five overtime hours, be able to meet the basic living needs; furthermore, the minimum wage would be automatically tied to the Consumer Price Index and its rising economic indications.

I strongly urge all Mainers to support Ethan Strimling and his minimum-wage increase proposal.

Wil Tibby

Mount Vernon