Letter: Wage increase was a political move

One of the interesting questions that continues to be ignored is the effect of the wage increase on entitlement programs.

I attended a forum in Linn County in the fall and asked two different representatives about the effects of the wage increase for those who receive food stamps, Medicaid and other entitlements.

The response? 'Well, that's a good question.” Really? You haven't thought of the income requirements that the state has imposed in order to qualify for programs?

Many people now barely qualify for entitlements and if the wage is increased without the state looking at modifying programs it doesn't make any sense. You will have people not working because the cost of health insurance alone in the 'affordable care market” will not make it manageable.

The Iowa Policy Project statistic The Gazette shared was 'a single parent with two children would need a wage of at least $20 an hour to meet family expenses without government support.” No kidding! That means no Hawk-i program, Medicaid, food stamps, nothing.

Anyone know the cost of entitlements for this same family? I am sure it is more than $20 per hour. If you are earning $20 per hour you are working for a company that is subsidizing your families health care. The minimum wage increase was a 'political” move without thinking ahead. Come on we are better than that.

Teresa Daubitz

Cedar Rapids