A livable wage is an annual salary or hourly rate that enables an employee to cover their essential expenses, such as housing, food, and medical care, without requiring assistance from the government. Given the high cost of living in Denver, employees must be paid a living wage in order to maintain a reasonable level of living. Then, what does a living wage in Denver mean?
The living wage for a single adult in Denver, as calculated by the MIT Living Wage Calculator, is $15.87 per hour. The hourly rate increases to $33.93 for a household of four. This wage includes, among other costs, the price of accommodation, food, healthcare, and transportation. It’s crucial to remember that these numbers are based on average prices and might not apply to all individuals or families.
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, but Denver’s minimum wage is presently $14.77 per hour, which is higher. Even so, it is still less than what a single adult needs to live on. With California paying the highest minimum wage of $14 per hour, Colorado is seventh in the nation.
In terms of civil rights, Colorado has legislation in place to shield people from prejudice based on things like color, gender, sexual orientation, and disability. Additionally, Colorado is one of the most forward-thinking states in the nation in terms of drug policy because it has legalized marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes.
You enjoy a number of fundamental rights as a citizen of Colorado, including the ability to vote, the freedom of speech, and the right to bear weapons. However, it is significant to remember that Colorado recently implemented gun control laws, which sparked opposition from some residents.
People are shielded from housing discrimination under the Colorado Fair Housing Act because of things including race, gender, and religion. Although the state law protects people based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, it goes further than the federal Fair Housing Act.
In conclusion, in order for workers in Denver to maintain a respectable level of living, a livable wage is essential. Colorado’s minimum wage is more than the federal minimum wage, yet it is still less than what an adult single needs to live on. You have a number of civil rights as a Colorado resident, and the state has laws in place to shield citizens from discrimination. Additionally, the Colorado Fair Housing Act offers underrepresented populations extra safeguards not offered by the federal Fair Housing Act.