Have you noticed the folks sitting on street corners with signs that say, “Anything helps?” Some of those people may work full time but are trying to survive on $7.25 per hour – minimum wage, but below the poverty line.

Statistically, a living wage in Bowling Green is $15.72; someone making $7.25 per hour makes $290 per week before taxes. Hard to survive and pay bills with only $7.25 per hour. According to the most recent U.S. Census, 25.5% of the residents of Bowling Green live in poverty.

The Poor People’s Campaign, led nationally by Bishop William Barber, is hosting a Mass Poor People’s and Low-Wage Workers Rally in Frankfort on March 2 at noon Eastern time. People will meet at Third and Capitol as we walk to the State Capitol. It will be a simultaneous day of direct action that will occur all across the country.

Please help to lift up the low-wage workers and share their problems with the elected members of Kentucky’s General Assembly.

Did you know that poverty is the fourth-leading cause of death in the U.S.? Please encourage Kentucky legislators to raise the minimum wage! It has not been raised since 2009. Kentucky has the sixth highest poverty rate in the U.S., according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Time to say enough! Join us in Frankfort on Saturday, March 2!

Eileen Starr

Bowling Green