Originally submitted by Ethical Humanist Society of the Triangle, with amendments adopted at the 101st Assembly of the American Ethical Union

Whereas, the federally-mandated minimum wage in the United States, $7.25 an hour, is an unlivable wage, and full-time low-wage employees are often forced to rely on public aid such as food stamps and public housing or shelters in order to survive.

Whereas, every business in America functions with the protection, infrastructure and economic and political security and stability provided by the country as a whole and paid for by our citizens through income and sales taxes as well as by the personal sacrifices made when our country is involved in armed conflict.

Whereas, U.S. businesses should employ individuals so that they may earn at least the minimum wage. This should be a standard cost of doing business.

Whereas, it is one function of government to determine and enforce minimum standards of compensation along with worker rights and protection, and thus efforts to influence legislation are appropriate citizen actions.

Whereas, a living wage is the amount of income needed to provide a decent standard of living. It should pay for the cost of living in any location, and should be adjusted to compensate for inflation. The purpose of a living wage is to make sure that anyone who works full-time should have enough money to live above the poverty level and avoid homelessness.

Therefore, it is resolved that the American Ethical Union supports a living wage.