Originally Published in the Los Angeles Times

Nearly 8 million Americans go to work every day yet still live below the poverty line. That is in part because the federal minimum wage is too low.

Currently, an individual with a full-time job at the minimum wage and a family of three to support will fall below the federal poverty line. These workers, despite putting in regular hours, are struggling to provide basic necessities for themselves and their families. By allowing the minimum wage to remain at a nearly unlivable level, we have deemed certain jobs not worthy enough to meet even our country’s minimum standard of living.

Carl Camden, CEO of Kelly Services, and I took part in a panel discussion yesterday evening, hosted by the Richman Center at Columbia University. The intent of the discussion was to address the changing nature of employment in the U.S., as the 21st century has borne witness to countless changes in technology, demographics, education, and several other sectors that impact the way in which people and companies do business. As policy-makers in Washington seek solutions to our sluggish economy, the question of the mechanics of employment in an era of economic revolution needs to be considered and addressed if we are to grow both equitably, and sustainably, in the decades to come.

Follow the link for more details about the event:

http://www7.gsb.columbia.edu/richman/sites/default/files/files/Nature%20of%20Work%201_22.pdf