Surviving Isn’t Living: A Call for Compassionate Change

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Microsoft Notes > Dictation > A 7-11 worker in Fremont, CA

Today, I met a man at 7-Eleven, weary yet still standing, as he shared a glimpse of his life. Working two jobs, he often spends up to 24 hours straight on his feet, all for the bare minimum—a roof over his head, food on his plate, and maybe a little left to spare. It's not just his story; it's the harsh reality for millions of Americans. They're not living; they’re merely surviving.

This isn't how it should be.

Our nation, blessed with immense resources and wealth, was built on the promise of a good life for anyone willing to work for it. But somewhere along the line, that promise has faded. As working men and women bend over backwards, juggling multiple jobs just to make ends meet, a troubling disparity is taking root. While they barely get by, those who shape the laws sit comfortably in the assurance of Cadillac healthcare plans and salaries upwards of $175,000 a year. It’s time to ask: Why is one job not enough?

We must evoke compassion and action in those who have the power to change things. It’s easy to lose sight of these struggles when you’re not facing them, but I urge our leaders to put themselves in the shoes of that man I met, or of any worker clocking in hours that stretch into the early morning. They deserve to live —to feel secure, to rest, to spend time with family, to grow, and to enjoy life.

To those who have the privilege to vote on our laws, this is a plea for empathy, for action, and for unity across party lines. Step beyond the privileges that insulate you. Acknowledge that a job should not mean the forfeiture of health, family time, or happiness.

For those who have the luxury of “enough,” let this be a reminder to appreciate that, but also a call to recognize those whose daily grind is unfathomable. It’s time for everyone to work together to uplift the standard of living so that surviving is no longer the limit to what people can achieve. Let’s ensure that one job pays a living wage, with healthcare accessible for all, and that every working person has the chance to truly live.

Living is a right—not a privilege.

To Business Owners: A Call to Change Lives, One Job at a Time

For every employer who’s out there looking to build a team of reliable, hardworking people, here’s a simple, impactful idea: next time you’re in a convenience store, a 7-Eleven, or any place known for paying low wages, take a moment to ask the person behind the counter how they’re doing. If you hear they’re working two jobs just to make ends meet, know that you’ve just met someone with grit, dedication, and resilience—qualities any employer would be lucky to have. Why not offer them the opportunity they truly deserve?

If you’re able, give them a life-sustaining wage. Lift them out of the cycle of exhaustion, stress, and survival, and let them experience the dignity and security of knowing their hard work is valued. Don’t let a dedicated, reliable worker stay trapped in a system that only drains them. Instead, be the change by offering a job that respects their efforts with fair pay, benefits, and a real chance to thrive.

Think of it this way: you’re not just filling a role; you’re changing a life. And when you do that, you build loyalty, morale, and a culture of genuine respect that ripples throughout your business. People who have fought to survive will bring the same commitment, resilience, and passion to your team if you simply give them the chance to live rather than just survive.

What a President can accomplish:

A president has the power to initiate and champion policies that directly address the struggles of people working two jobs just to survive. Here are some impactful actions a president could take:

1. Raise the Federal Minimum Wage

- Action : Increase the federal minimum wage to a living wage—enough to cover basic needs like housing, food, and healthcare. A target range of $22-$25 per hour would lift millions out of poverty and reduce the need for a second job.

- Impact : This would set a national standard for fair wages, making one job enough to cover essential expenses, reduce stress, and improve quality of life.

2. Expand Access to Affordable Healthcare

- Action : Implement or advocate for universal healthcare, or expand current healthcare options to reduce out-of-pocket costs for low-income workers. Alternatively, the president could support Medicare expansion at the state level or push for a public option.

- Impact : By removing the burden of high healthcare costs, workers would have more disposable income, reducing financial stress and the necessity for a second job just to cover medical expenses.

3. Promote Paid Family and Medical Leave

- Action : Enact a national paid family and medical leave policy, giving workers paid time off to care for themselves or their families without losing income.

- Impact : Paid leave reduces the need to take on a second job to make up for unpaid time away from work due to illness or family needs. It also supports workers' health and stability.

4. Tax Credits and Subsidies for Low-Income Workers

- Action : Expand tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit, specifically targeting low-income and dual-job households. This could also include tax subsidies for essential expenses like child care and transportation.

- Impact : These credits put more money directly back into the hands of working families, providing additional financial support without the need for a second income.

5. Support for Affordable Housing Initiatives

- Action : Push for federal investment in affordable housing and rental assistance programs, limiting the portion of income that goes toward housing costs.

- Impact : Affordable housing initiatives can make housing more accessible for low-wage workers, reducing financial stress and enabling a single income to cover housing, so families aren’t forced to take on additional work to pay rent.

6. Encourage Fair Scheduling Practices

- Action : Advocate for or implement fair scheduling laws that require employers to provide predictable schedules and reasonable notice for shift changes, especially in low-wage industries.

- Impact : Fair scheduling practices help employees manage their time and avoid needing a second job. When workers know their hours in advance, they can budget better, plan for family time, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

7. Promote Workforce Training and Career Pathways

- Action : Establish or expand federally funded job training programs and partnerships with private industries to create more pathways for low-wage workers to enter high-paying careers.

- Impact : Workforce training and education initiatives give workers the opportunity to advance to higher-paying jobs, reducing the need for dual employment and helping families gain financial stability.

8. Reform Taxation for Wealth Redistribution

- Action : Adjust tax policies to ensure higher tax contributions from large corporations and high-income earners. Redistribute these funds toward social programs that benefit low-income workers, such as affordable housing, education grants, and healthcare.

- Impact : This redistribution can fund essential programs that directly improve the lives of low-income and dual-job workers, reducing the pressure to work multiple jobs.

9. Encourage Unionization and Worker Protections

- Action : Pass legislation that strengthens labor unions and ensures fair labor practices, empowering workers to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions.

- Impact : Unions give workers a stronger voice in the workplace, providing the leverage needed to secure livable wages and fair treatment, which can make it unnecessary for them to take on a second job.

10. Provide Affordable Childcare Options

- Action : Fund programs to make quality childcare affordable or even free for low-income families, similar to public education.

- Impact : Childcare is a major expense that often requires families to work multiple jobs. Affordable childcare would enable single-income households to manage expenses more effectively.

A president who advocates for these policies and works with Congress to make them a reality can help ensure that one job is enough, moving workers from survival mode into a place where they can truly thrive.

Executive Order: Establishing the Task Force on Fair Wages, Affordable Childcare, and Economic Support for Small Businesses

By the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, I hereby establish the Task Force on Fair Wages, Affordable Childcare, and Economic Support for Small Businesses (the “Task Force”).

Section 1: Purpose

The purpose of this Executive Order is to establish a comprehensive plan to improve the standard of living for American workers. This Task Force is charged with developing policies that will:

- Increase the federal minimum wage to $25 per hour;

- Create a national, affordable childcare program with a cost-sharing model involving the government, employers, and parents; and

- Support small businesses and new businesses in meeting the new wage requirements while excluding firms connected to private equity (PE) from this support.

Section 2: Establishment of the Task Force

The Task Force on Fair Wages, Affordable Childcare, and Economic Support for Small Businesses is hereby established and will be composed of representatives from the following agencies:

- Department of Labor (DOL)

- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

- Department of the Treasury

- Small Business Administration (SBA)

- Department of Education (DOE)

- Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

The Secretary of Labor will serve as the Chair of the Task Force.

Section 3: Duties of the Task Force

The Task Force shall undertake the following actions within six months:

a. Minimum Wage Increase

- Design and implement a plan to raise the federal minimum wage to $25 per hour.

- Develop guidelines and eligibility criteria for businesses that genuinely cannot afford to meet this wage requirement. Under this plan:

- The government will temporarily cover the wage difference for qualifying businesses until they reach the financial threshold to fully pay the $25 minimum wage independently.

- Businesses that qualify for this support will include small and new businesses demonstrating financial need.

- Businesses connected to private equity firms will be ineligible for this support, as they have alternative sources of capital.

b. Affordable Childcare Program

- Propose a framework for a national childcare program with a shared-cost model:

- Costs will be divided among the federal government, employers, and parents.

- Establish criteria to determine each party's contribution based on income levels and business size.

- Ensure that the childcare program meets quality and safety standards, offering subsidies to both public and private childcare providers.

c. Support for Small and New Businesses

- Develop a financial assistance program through the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help small and new businesses meet the new wage requirements.

- Establish clear eligibility criteria based on annual revenue and operating costs to determine financial need.

- Exclude businesses connected to private equity firms from receiving government wage subsidies, directing this support solely to businesses in genuine need of financial assistance.

- Provide advisory services and financial planning support to help small businesses grow to a point of self-sufficiency in meeting the $25/hour wage threshold.

Section 4: Reporting Requirements and Accountability

- Within 90 days of the establishment of this Task Force, an interim report shall be submitted to the President outlining preliminary recommendations and progress.

- A final report, including actionable steps and timelines for full implementation, shall be submitted within six months.

- The Task Force will provide quarterly updates to the public, ensuring transparency and accountability in the progress of these initiatives.

Section 5: Public Participation and Feedback

The Task Force will open a public comment period and conduct listening sessions with small business owners, parents, workers, and community stakeholders to gather input. The insights from these sessions will inform the final design of the childcare cost-sharing model and wage support guidelines.

Section 6: Funding

The Secretary of the Treasury, in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget, will allocate funds as necessary to support the operations and recommendations of the Task Force.

Section 7: Termination of the Task Force

The Task Force shall dissolve after fulfilling its duties, with all policies and programs outlined herein transitioned to their respective federal agencies for long-term management.

Section 8: General Provisions

This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Signed: Vincent Cordova Date: 11/4/2024

This Executive Order provides a structured approach to achieving a living wage, affordable childcare, and small business support, with special care to ensure fair distribution of resources by excluding PE-backed firms. This Task Force's mandate and timeline demonstrate a commitment to swift and effective action for American workers and families. We must close the offshore loopholes and charge royalty fees for our Natural resources

Vincent Cordova