America was founded on the principle of equal representation: one person, one vote. Unfortunately, this pillar of democracy is under attack. Nowadays, it’s one dollar, one vote. A million dollars? A million votes. In short, money talks… and the rich speak loudest.
Need proof? When asked if he’d support raising the minimum wage, Gov. Snyder said it wasn’t a “burning issue.” When it came to funding Michigan’s government, Gov. Snyder decided to pay for a $1.8 billion corporate tax-cut by raising taxes on seniors living on fixed incomes and cutting funding to our neighborhood schools. When presented with a bill doubling contribution limits, Gov. Snyder signed it and four days later the DeVos’ had already donated $720,000 to Republicans.
Money talks, and the DeVos’ have a lot more than you do.
Over the past four decades, the value of the minimum wage has decreased by 20 percent and if you work full-time you’ll earn a yearly salary of $15,392 – not even enough to keep your family above the poverty line. Meanwhile, 95 percent of income gains went to the top 1 percent between 2009 and 2012. Ninety-five percent.
It’s well-past time for the rest of us to share in this newfound prosperity. Over 70 percent of Michiganders support raising the minimum wage and you can make our voice louder than money by signing our petition.