Minimum wage

The U.S. bishops' called for an increase in the federal minimum wage in a January 8 letter to Congress.

"The minimum wage needs to be raised not just for the goods and services a person can buy but for the self-esteem and self-worth it affords," said the letter signed by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, chairman of the bishops' Domestic Policy Committee.

Bishop DiMarzio said that the bishops as pastors see many working people who need realistic salaries.

"“We serve too many families where men and women work full time and still live in destitution," Bishop DiMarzio said. "Congress needs to make budget and policy choices that will ensure adequate funding to help families escape joblessness, move beyond welfare, choose decent education for their children, gain needed health care coverage, and overcome hunger and homelessness."

You can read more here.

There also is an expanded discussion of this issue at Albany Catholic here.