A Living Wage Buys Health - Economic and Health Impacts of Fair Compensation

Explore the critical connection between living wages and public health in this 46-minute talk from The Aspen Institute. Delve into the challenges faced by millions of US households struggling to meet basic needs due to insufficient income. Examine how the current federal minimum wage fails to cover essential living costs, including housing. Discover the shift in focus from minimum wage to living wage advocacy and its potential impact on public health. Learn about the positive health outcomes associated with higher wages, including reduced smoking rates, improved birth weights, and decreased rates of depression and child neglect. Consider the role of government and businesses in supporting a living wage policy and its broader implications for society.

A Living Wage Buys Health