Take Our Minimum Wage Survey!

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It’s another busy week for Rights & Democracy (RAD) folks in the State House, out in the streets and online.

First, we have some big news to celebrate!

The Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs had decided to strike out the section of S.23 (the minimum wage bill) that would establish a permanent, year-round subminimum wage for high school workers.

This was the result of passionate and informed testimony by RAD member Jubilee McGill, a housing equity specialist in Addison County, who regularly interacts with families whose children support the household budget, as well as testimony from Vermont Raise The Wage Coalition members such as Michelle Fay of Voices for Vermont’s Children.

But, there’s still some work to do to make sure the minimum wage works for everyone!

We need you to call or email members of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and ask them to take further testimony on S.23—especially on phasing out the subminimum wage for tipped workers. Without further testimony, the Senate may opt to “study” the issue rather than take action. They are meeting at 8:30 AM on Wednesday, so calls and emails are urgent. Find Committee members here.

Finally, if you are directly impacted by low wages, a lack of paid family and medical leave, or enforcement of workers’ rights, please fill out our new Raise Up Vermont survey.

We want to hear from you how this impacts you and your family, and help get your stories in front of legislators as they make important decisions that affect the lives of thousands of Vermonters.

In Other News …

We’re hiring! Check out our open positions for Regional Grassroots Organizers and Organizing Fellows. RAD is looking for folks to help support the growth of regional member chapters in Chittenden, Rutland, Washington, and  Windham counties. Apply today or share with a RAD friend.

Sign onto the Justice for Kiah Morris letter (if you haven’t already) and call upon Attorney General TJ Donovan, Bennington District Attorney Erica Marthage to protect people of color in the State of Vermont.

Turn up the Heat for Town Meeting Day! Help us get our endorsed candidates around Vermont elected by going to one of our Facebook events (phonebanks, canvasses, lit drops and more) in support of endorsed candidates.