Thousands of Georgians work full-time yet still cannot pay for housing, healthcare, food, and childcare. Georgia’s minimum wage is $5.15/hour, well below the federal minimum and far from what is needed for a family to survive. Low wages force workers to take multiple jobs, work long hours, or rely on public assistance, while corporations profit from paying employees far less than their labor is worth. Women, Black and brown workers, and immigrants are disproportionately affected. Raising the minimum wage is crucial for equity, economic security, and community stability. Aaron will push for a living wage that allows full-time workers to support their families and live with dignity.

As a state representative, Aaron will fight to raise Georgia’s minimum wage, strengthen worker protections, support collective bargaining, and expand access to workforce development programs to ensure that no worker is left behind.

The Problem: 

• Stagnant wages: Georgia’s minimum wage has remained $5.15/hour since 2009, while living costs—housing, healthcare, childcare—have surged.

• Pervasive low-income work: About 40% of low-wage workers earn less than a living wage, forcing them to rely on multiple jobs or public assistance.

• Demographic disparities: Women and people of color make up more than 50% of low-wage positions, reinforcing systemic inequities.

• Economic instability: Workers who earn too little are unable to save, invest in education, or support local businesses, undermining community economies.
  

The Solution:

• Legislate a living minimum wage: Gradually raise it to $20/hour based on cost-of-living data.

• Protect workers’ rights: Strengthen enforcement against wage theft, unpaid overtime, and unfair scheduling.

• Support collective bargaining: Protect workers’ ability to organize and negotiate for fair pay.

• Tie state contracts to fair pay: Require companies receiving state funding to pay a living wage.

• Invest in workforce development: Fund training programs to help workers move into higher-paying, skilled jobs.