LETTERS: MORE ON MINIMUM WAGE

To the editor:

I am writing to respond to Jim Wilhelm's letter regarding Proposition A. He stated that his wife runs a business and works seven days a week and that this initiative would put her out of business. He may not be aware that this would only affect those businesses with gross receipts totalling more than $500,000 per year. I am sorry that she must work so much. It must be a hardship on their family. However, that is her choice. Those individuals struggling to support themselves and their families on minimum wage do not have a choice. Often they must work seven days a week for survival. There is a difference,and I hop Mr. Wilhelm can see that.

Opponents of Proposition A have a great deal of money at their disposal, much of it provided by large corporations that can easily afford this increase. I is a sin that a CEO makes $20 million per year while the front-line employees qualify for food stamps. People who are on welfare must work their way out of poverty. This can't be done if there isn't enough money for child care, rent, utilities, food and transportation.

Please vote yes for Proposition A on Nov. 5 and help our workers earn a decent wage.

Nancy Birk

Cape Girardeau