Mainers earning minimum wage are having a more difficult time paying for housing, food and other expenses, and to an increasing degree, according to a new national report.
The findings are part of a new report from the national group Alliance for a Just Society, the Maine Public Broadcasting Network reported. The report also said that college loans can exacerbate the situation for Mainers making $7.50 an hour.
The report considers $15.82 an hour a “living wage” for a single adult with a full-time job and no children and $19.49 an hour enough for two working adults living with two children.
The Portland City Council is expected to consider a proposal by Mayor Michael Brennan in October to increase minimum wage to $9.50 by next year, The Forecaster reported.
Read more
Attorney: Portland’s wage hike proposal is risky
Portland officials delay wage hike vote
Portland wage hike not likely for 2015