Live the Wage San Diego

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Alyssa Osian
(619) 426-3595 x1299
aosian@maacproject.org

MAAC President & CEO Accepts “LIVE THE WAGE SAN DIEGO” CHALLENGE From San Diego City Council President Todd Gloria

CHULA VISTA (September 4, 2014) – On Wednesday, City Council President Todd Gloria announced a “Live the Wage San Diego!” challenge and invited others to experience living on minimum wage in San Diego for one week. Arnulfo Manriquez, President & CEO of MAAC, was one of the first to respond to his request.

“Providing workers with a reasonable, livable wage is one of MAAC’s priorities,” Manriquez stated. “On July 1, 2013, MAAC brought all of our employees to at least $11 per hour plus health benefits in alignment with the San Diego Living Wage Ordinance. We know that it is a significant challenge for people earning minimum wage to survive in San Diego.”

 MAAC employs about 500 individuals throughout San Diego County. “As a non-profit organization we don’t have the flexibility to offer overly generous compensation packages; however, we do want to provide our hard-working employees with a living wage, health benefits and paid time off.” Manriquez added.

 Council President Gloria’s challenge allows individuals up to $51 per week in discretionary expenses – food, medication, gas and other “non-essentials.” The $51 weekly allowance was calculated based on San Diego’s current minimum wage of $9 per hour, and accounts for taxes and housing.

 “It’s going to be a challenge, for sure,” said Manriquez, who has three young children. “Limiting my family’s needs within $51 over the next seven days is definitely going to take some creativity.”

About MAAC

Founded in 1965, MAAC was formed by a group of citizens to address the increasing crisis of hunger and poverty in the community. Today, MAAC provides life-changing services to over 35,000 individuals annually throughout San Diego County. Its wide range of programs addressing child development, education, poverty, housing, employment and substance abuse establishes MAAC as a major provider of social services in our region. MAAC’s mission is maximizing self-sufficiency with families and individuals through high-quality programs and advocacy in our communities.

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