Work that Pays
A living wage starting at $20/hr that goes up as cost of living increases
While grocery prices and rent keep going up, income is not. Hard work should pay. Anyone who works full time in Wisconsin should be able to afford housing, groceries, health care, child care, and transportation.
But for decades, the wealthy and powerful few have influenced our decision makers and rigged the rules, leading to more money in their pockets and less in the hands of those doing the real work. The result is many workers putting in long hours who still can't make ends meet. Wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of living, leaving families stretched thin. When wages are too low, communities lose spending power, local businesses lose customers, and economic hardship grows.
Decision makers should establish a living wage starting at $20 per hour and automatically adjust it as the cost of living rises, so workers don't lose ground year after year.
Learn more about raising the minimum wage:
Expanding tax credits that help working families make ends meet
Everyone should have a fair opportunity to succeed and build a secure future for their children. Tax policies should reward work, support families, and help ensure that prosperity is shared across our communities—not concentrated among a wealthy few.
Many Wisconsin families are working hard but still struggle to afford everyday necessities. Rising costs for housing, food, child care, and transportation leave little room in family budgets.
At the same time, our tax system often provides the greatest benefits to those who already have the most resources—the wealthy few—while leaving many low- and moderate-income families without enough support.
Expanding refundable tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, puts money directly back into the pockets of working families. Research shows these credits reduce poverty, improve child well-being, boost local economies, and help families cover essential expenses. Families can use the money in the ways that best meet their needs, whether that means paying bills, buying groceries, or saving for emergencies.