Fair Wages
Fair Wages: $17.25 Minimum Wage Tied to Inflation
Wages have not kept up with inflation. Large employers such as Dollar General and McDonald's pay their employees less than living wages, causing more people to require assistance from the government. Its not the employees fault, we should help those who need it. This is another way the government gives to large corporations. The taxpayers are footing the bill for low wages. We need to tie the National minimum wage to inflation, so we don't have to fight every 20 years for a tiny raise that is irrelevant compared to the rise in the cost of living.
John Whetstone knows this struggle firsthand. He has worked minimum-wage jobs, supported his family on low pay, and understands exactly how it feels when your paycheck can’t keep up with the rising cost of everyday life. That lived experience drives his commitment to delivering real, lasting change for Indiana workers.
John’s plan is straightforward and grounded in common sense: raise Indiana’s minimum wage to $17.25 an hour and tie it to inflation so wages automatically rise with the cost of living. This approach ensures paychecks keep pace with reality—not with outdated political compromises or partisan games. A wage that moves with inflation protects families from falling behind and creates financial stability year after year.
Raising wages benefits entire communities. When workers earn more, they spend more at local businesses, strengthen neighborhood economies, reduce dependence on government assistance programs, and create a healthier economic ecosystem for everyone. It’s good for workers, good for small businesses, and essential for building a fair and sustainable future.
John’s commitment is clear: no Hoosier working full-time should live in poverty. By adopting a $17.25 minimum wage tied to inflation, Indiana can finally honor the dignity of work, lift families out of hardship, and ensure that hard work is rewarded—not exploited.
Why Indiana Needs a Living Wage Now
Indiana’s minimum wage has been stuck at the same rate for more than a decade, while the cost of rent, groceries, childcare, and everyday essentials continues to climb. Families working full-time are still falling behind, and too many Hoosiers are forced to take multiple jobs just to survive.
John believes no one should work a full-time job and still live in poverty. His plan raises the minimum wage to $17.25 an hour and ties future increases to inflation, ensuring wages rise automatically with the cost of living. This policy protects families from economic instability, boosts local economies, and helps rebuild a fair foundation for Indiana’s working class.
By implementing a wage that reflects today’s reality—not outdated political compromises—we can finally give Hoosiers the opportunity to build stable, dignified lives.
Why This Matters for Indiana Families
Raising wages means stronger communities. When workers earn enough to cover their basic needs, they spend more at local businesses, reduce reliance on assistance programs, and create a healthier, more resilient economy.
John’s plan ensures that hardworking Hoosiers are never left behind again.