Fort River Students Launch Campaign to Raise the Minimum Wage 

Source: Tim Austin, Fort River School

Fifth grade students at Fort River Elementary school, in Amherst, announced this week, their campaign for raising the minimum wage in Massachusetts to $20 per hour. The students chose to work on this issue because the gap between the wealthy and the poor has grown dramatically. According to the Gini Index, among the economically-developed countries, the U.S. has one of the biggest gaps between the rich and poor. Students will be holding an educational event about their campaign outside the Jones Library in Amherst on June 1, from 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 

“People need to help raise the minimum wage because many people suffer from not getting the money they need from their minimum wage jobs. I am glad that our legislators in Amherst support Bills S.1200 and H.1925,” said 5th grader, Adelyn Tease. “Passing this legislation will make the world a better place, help more people, and heal some deep wounds,” continued Tease. “Income inequality is a big problem and we can fight it if we raise the minimum wage to $20 per hour and make conditions more livable for everyone in Massachusetts.” 

Senator Jo Comerford and Representative Mindy Domb are co-sponsors of the bills, S.1200 and H.1925. “I’m so proud to represent these students and whole-heartedly support the effort to enact a living wage in Massachusetts,” said Domb. “Their activism and awareness campaign are vitally important and will help to inform our community and engage on this important issue.”

Some states have already done things to try to create a living wage and some places have succeeded in raising the minimum wage a bit. Massachusetts is often a leader and if our state raises the minimum wage then others may follow suit, the students said.

“So the minimum wage is the minimum, the lowest amount of money somebody should get paid,” said Fort River School Principal, Tamera Sullivan-Daley. “I think by raising the minimum wage it will allow access for people who are currently making the minimum wage, more opportunities to pay for goods and services that they might not otherwise have the access to.” 

“I think the minimum wage should be raised to $20 per hour, because some grown ups can’t pay for what they need, support their children, and pay their bills,” said 5th grade student, Julius Cosby. “Some people can’t pay their bills so they become homeless, and have to live on the streets. I’d like to thank those who are supporting our campaign.” 

For more information, contact Adelyn, Sam, and Julius through their teacher: Tim Austin at austint@arps.org