Faces of 15 Now Tacoma

As told to Mike Plaid
Wednesday, Aug 26, 2015
Reprinted from a Facebook Post
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I know the stress of having to work two jobs to make ends meet. I worked as a sales associate at a retail store and as a server to support myself and pay off college loans. An increase in the minimum wage to $15.00 an hour would help many people that are in similar situations by allowing them to work only one job and remain financially stable.
I’m the daughter of a single mom and when it was time for me to go to school there was no trust fund or savings account; I had to work and take out student loans. With the amount of student debt I have I could not afford to work part-time at one job and pay for rent and basic necessities, along with paying my student loans.
For younger people like me that aren’t able to find a job straight out of college, the service industry is one of the only opportunities we have to make money.In my retail job, I worked six years and only received a 22 cent raise. Between both of my jobs as a server and retail worker I worked over 40 hours a week; if the minimum wage were raised I know Tacoma workers would feel relieved knowing that they wouldn’t have to work as much, and would be happy receiving the pay that they deserve.

As told to Sara Morken
Wednesday, Aug 19, 2015
Reprinted from a Facebook Post

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Health Care Professionals for $15 Now Tacoma! Vote Yes Initiative One in Nov!

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My name is Dr. LeRoy Horton, I am a dentist with two offices and a long time Tacoma native. I primarily practice in surgical reconstructions and implant dentistry. I have been a long term supporter of raising the minimum wage and here is why:

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As told to Mike Plaid
Wednesday, Aug 18, 2015
Reprinted from a Facebook Post

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15 dollars for me means a good start to living the life every American deserves. The ability to provide for myself and not having to struggle to be able to put food on the table, and not have to worry about whether or not I can be able to pay the months rent. 15 dollars means being able to plan for the future, to be able to provide for a family without relying on welfare. 15 dollars is a means to better myself by being able to afford a higher education, to pursue my dreams, and provide more for my community. 15 dollars is a start to a better society.

As told to Mike Plaid
Wednesday, Aug 13, 2015
Reprinted from a Facebook Post

For the last 4 years I worked 2 jobs to make ends meet. I work in private home care as a CNA. I regularly work 16-hour shifts. When overtime is available, I can’t afford not to take it, which ends up putting me at 24 hours a day at times. Yesterday was my first day off in nearly 2 weeks. I have to do this even if it means sacrificing my mental, physical, and emotional health. During these times I am constantly in flight mode, on edge, and frustrated because I am running from one job to the next, one client to the other. Needless to say I am unable to find the time to relax and enjoy life. Some days, I don’t have time for a decent meal and have to keep my tooth brush in my purse.

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As told to Mike Plaid
Wednesday, Aug 13, 2015
Reprinted from a Facebook Post

My name is Kass and I’m a systems analyst for a large high-end retailer. I’m really lucky to have my job. For a high school drop-out with a few computer certifications, making upwards of $65k a year is a real blessing, since I am the sole breadwinner in my family of 3. But even then things are tough. We have a mortgage on a very modest house, a car payment, and various bills. The most expensive part is often therapy for my autistic son. Medical insurance does not cover everything.

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