The Crucial Link Between Family Values and Family Income

The wisdom of the old blues singer rings true: "When a lady gets the blues, she hangs her head and cries. When a man gets the blues, he grabs the train and rides.” The link between economic hardship and family instability remains evident.For years, conservatives have raised concerns about family disintegration, marked by reduced marriage rates, increased single-parent families, and unstable living situations for children. Yet, we must confront a fundamental truth: strong families cannot thrive on meager wages.Over the past year, escalating grocery prices, soaring rents, and exorbitant childcare expenses have intensified this reality. According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, even the most affordable counties now necessitate $33.82 an hour for a modest two-parent household. With the federal minimum wage stuck at $7.25, families are struggling.It’s time to recognize that the demand for livable wages transcends political divides, indicating a growing family crisis that demands urgent attention.