I couldn't agree more with Camille Rivera's commentary ("Minimum wage hike too small," Jan. 14) on raising the minimum wage.
The governor's proposal for an increase in the minimum wage is a small step in the right direction. However, it is only a first step. What is needed is a minimum wage that will continue to increase to a living wage. We need to determine what it takes for someone to live without food stamps, a Section 8 housing allowance and all the programs that help people survive.
The minimum wage of $8.75 translates to less than $17,000 a year. How many of us could live on that?
The minimum wage needs to be increased to a living wage that allows people to live in dignity and hope.
M. Kathleen Pritty, RSM
East Greenbush