Louisianans know the value of hard work, and their labor fuels our economy. But Louisiana workers aren’t reaping the rewards of their labor. Far too many Louisiana families can’t meet their basic needs or take care of their families, even while working full time.

The low-wage industries that dominate our state’s economy contribute to over half of Louisianans not earning enough to support their households. Wages for most workers are flat and often far short of what’s needed to support a family. Large wage and income disparities between Blacks and whites, the young and the old, men and women, the highly educated and those with less education plague our state.

But a strong minimum wage, tax credits for working families, new investments in education and training and pro-union policies can make it easier for workers to advocate for themselves and help move Louisiana toward a more equitable economy that works for everyone.