A new report reveals that numerous employees at major US corporations are forced to rely on government assistance for healthcare and food due to low wages, a situation occurring as CEO compensation escalates. This analysis of twenty S&P 500 companies shows that the median pay at most of these firms falls below the income thresholds for Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Despite significant spending on stock buybacks, these corporations have seen their median worker pay decline when adjusted for inflation, while executive compensation ratios soar and billionaires’ wealth grows. This practice, described as corporate welfare, places the burden of basic living costs onto taxpayers, particularly concerning as federal anti-poverty programs face budget cuts.
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Voters in Oklahoma have once again rejected an effort to raise the state’s minimum wage, a decision that has sparked considerable discussion and, frankly, a good deal of bewilderment. The proposed hike, which would have brought the minimum wage to $15 an hour, was seen by many as a necessary step towards ensuring a living wage in 2026. However, the outcome suggests a significant portion of the electorate did not agree, leading to frustration for those who believed the measure was a straightforward way to improve the economic standing of many Oklahomans.
The logic behind the push for a $15 minimum wage is quite simple: at a typical full-time 40-hour workweek, this equates to $31,200 annually before taxes.… Continue reading
House Democrats have introduced legislation proposing a significant increase in the federal minimum wage to $25 per hour, a bold step beyond the previous $15 target. This bill, designed with a multi-year phase-in period, aims to address the inadequacy of the current $7.25 minimum wage, which has not been updated since 2009 and fails to cover basic living expenses. If passed, the proposal would also eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped workers and tie future increases to a percentage of the national median hourly pay.
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Activists, labor leaders, and workers convened at Understory in East Oakland to advocate for a $30 minimum wage, arguing it is long overdue given the significant disparity between the rising cost of living and stagnant wages. This proposed increase, which would be implemented gradually over a decade for businesses of varying sizes, aims to address the economic hardship faced by many residents. With the current minimum wage falling far short of a living wage, proponents emphasize the urgency of this measure to ensure economic survival and demonstrate democracy’s ability to deliver tangible improvements for working people. Organizers now face the task of gathering signatures to place the measure on the upcoming November ballot.
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In 2026, 19 states are implementing minimum wage increases, with hikes ranging from 28 cents to $2, benefiting over 8.3 million workers. While these increases bring the average state minimum wage to $14.57, the federal minimum wage remains stagnant at $7.25, with tipped workers still earning a subminimum of $2.13. Advocates, including Senator Bernie Sanders, criticize the federal rate, emphasizing that it does not provide a living wage and is a national disgrace. Despite the efforts of multiple states and municipalities to raise wages, the gap between earnings and the cost of living remains significant, and calls for a living wage persist.
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During his Senate confirmation hearing, Scott Bessent, President-elect Trump’s treasury secretary nominee, opposed raising the federal minimum wage, deeming it a state and regional matter. This stance contrasts sharply with calls for a living wage and drew criticism for prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy over wage increases for low-income workers. Bessent’s economic plan, focusing on deficit reduction and GDP growth, reportedly necessitates cuts to anti-poverty programs and potential tax hikes for the middle class to achieve its goals. Critics argue his nomination prioritizes the ultra-wealthy, potentially harming middle-class families.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood