On the recordMay 15, 1996
Ms. Haynes pointed out that at $8,500 a year, the "minimum wage worker" is more appropriately referred to as the "miracle worker". The typical "miracle worker" is a single parent, with children. At the "miracle wage" of $4.25 per hour, each week, she brings home $182 after taxes. She uses her "miracle wage" for child care at $50 a week; for minimal food at $65 a week; for essentials such as clothing, personal and health care products and doctor bills at $50 a week; for rent in basic housing at $85 a week; and for public transportation at $20 a week. She spends nothing on recreation or personal pleasure. And, at the end of the week, she still has a growing deficit of $88 each week. With a modest increase in the minimum wage of ninety cents, and with the earned income tax credit, which is in some doubt because it too is under attack, the "miracle worker" can cut her deficit in half.
Source
govinfo.gov
