Resolution submitted for a better living wage policy

Dear Editor:

I have submitted a resolution for a local law to permanently establish living wage policy for the County of Dutchess and move for it’s adoption. The County of Dutchess provides grants, loans, tax incentives, contracts, and other forms of assistance to businesses that result in the creation or maintenance of a wide variety of employment opportunities. Even in the current economy, far too many working residents and their families live below or near the poverty line.

The use of taxpayer dollars to promote sustenance and the creation of living wage jobs will increase consumer income, decrease levels of poverty, reinvigorate neighborhood businesses, and reduce the need for taxpayer-funded social programs.

The purpose of this law is to ensure that employees of county contractors and subcontractors and beneficiaries of tax, loan, grant and other subsidy assistance provided by the county earn an hourly wage that is sufficient for a family of four to live at or above the federal poverty level.

Yours truly,

Ron Ray