Increase the federal minimum wage to $9.50/hr to allow the working poor to afford the costs of living.

For too long the federal minimum wage in this country has been stagnant while we have seen increased costs in the costs of living and increased costs in the goods and services associated with the cost of living. If the federal minimum wage had kept up with inflation over the last 40 years, it would currently be $10.58/hr. However because the minimum wage is so much less than the increasing costs of goods in our society, many people must rely on food stamps, TANF, and other welfare assistance programs. If we increase the federal minimum wage we would see a decrease in those receiving welfare while at the same time assuring that the citizens of this nation can keep up with the cost of living.