$2.65 wage in Kansas defies reality

[proud2BlibKansan]

While some call for an increase, others say why bother when the federal minimum is higher.
By RICK MONTGOMERY
The Kansas City Star

Missourians thought their minimum wage was too low. In Kansas, the hourly wage set by the state can’t buy a gallon of milk.

It’s $2.65 per hour.

At least that is the figure cited in Chapter 44 of the Kansas statutes. While Missouri and five other states recently voted to boost their wages above the federal minimum of $5.15 per hour, the Kansas law — untouched since 1988 — sets the lowest minimum of the 43 states that bothered to pass such laws.

And that point — why bother? — sums up the reaction of many to a group’s plea last week that Kansas raise its hourly minimum to $5.15, matching the federal level.

more . . .
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/16098567.htm

[lebkuchen]

1. Whether the fed rate trumps the state rate or not

I wonder how many Kansas residents would be enticed to join the army (Fort Riley, Kansas is the home of the 1st Infantry Division) rather than suffer the thought of $2.65/hr.

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. Too many I am sure

[lebkuchen]

4. Maybe that's a big reason for not raising the state minimum wage?

[raysr]

3. My state, Wahington,

has the highest and is slated to go up, $7.63.

[proud2BlibKansan]

5. I wonder how much higher the cost of living is there

[Athelwulf]

8. Oregon's got a high one too

I think we're second place. It's currently $7.50, and it's going up to $7.80 on the first of January.

Is $7.63 what it is now, or what it will be soon?

[Mabus]

6. Wait staff

Back in the early 80's, when I used to waitress, we were always paid less than other positions. One time I remember getting paid something around $2.10/hour when everyone else was getting $3.35. It was the going rate around Lawrence. We were supposed to make the extra $1.25/hour in tips.

[beyurslf]

7. Not all businesses are covered by the Fed rate. When I was 15, I worked

at a DQ that did not have to pay minimum wage. It was 3.75 then (I think) and I made 3.50.