Most of us could not survive on $9.47 an hour. That’s next year’s state minimum wage. It may be the highest in the country, but it’s still not enough for workers to support themselves, afford the basics and contribute to the economy.

Many workers are paid so poorly that those of us who do pay taxes support a corporate welfare system which dumps minimum wage earners into emergency rooms for health care and using food stamps for groceries. Raising wages is good for workers striving for a better future.

It’s also good for our economy. Folks with extra cash become customers for more businesses. It’s time to raise wages to a livable amount.

Steve Hirsh, Bothell