IT IS TIME TO STAND UP FOR OUR WORKING POOR

         I know a woman in her 50s who works at a local McDonalds along with several other middle aged employees.  She has been employed there for 8 years and makes $8.75 an hour.  Several weeks ago she called me in tears asking for advice.  She never misses work and was faced with a crisis when her landlord decided to empty the building of his month to month tenants and sell the property.  She was afraid that if she left her rented “room” and went to work she would be locked out and forfeit her possessions.

         There is a cultural in Washington of the working poor that gets little attention from the rest of us.  They are employed as dishwashers at W&J, wait staff at the chain restaurants, stockers at Shop & Save and clerks at Good Will.  Out of sight, out of mind, they are washing our windows, cleaning our gutters, mowing our lawns, watching our young children in child care and changing bed pans at the hospital and nursing homes.

          Many have physical and/or mental impediments that limit their work capabilities, without qualifying them for SSI or SSD.  Others are single parents unable to afford higher education or trade school.  For almost all the working poor every dollar in income is accounted for before the next paycheck arrives.  With access to high interest credit cards and pay day lending services, many fall into debt.

         Those of us with liberal views often ask ourselves: why doesn’t this permanent underclass, which according to the Center for Poverty Research total an estimated 11 million Americans across the country, rise up and demand better wages?  Why aren’t they marching and protesting for more of the cradle to grave benefits that are prevalent in Europe?  Why don’t they insist that the wealthy pay more in taxes?

         Upon reflection and research, several answers spring to the surface.  First, unlike the days of labor organization in the late 19^th and early 20^th century, when farmers and factory workers fought for economic and social reform, today’s working poor are more isolated, politically apathetic, and have little thought for the future beyond the next paycheck.  Transportation and unexpected expenses take precedence over activisim.  Second, extended families to provide assistance and encouragement are nonexistent.  Third, despite the hardships and unlike their European counterparts, many are of the view that anyone can win the American lottery and step up to a life of wealth and leisure with a bit of luck and elbow grease.

         I am convinced that the working poor, who make up only 23% of all the people classified as poor in this country, are the true forgotten Americans. The inequality debate is really about them. They face economic and social hardships to remain employed and raise a family that are difficult for the rest of us to imagine.

          That is why I will continue to advocate for a living wage and increased benefits for this politically underserved population.  The working poor have a miniscule safety net and no time or resources to fight back on their own.