Former Bangor Mayor Joe Baldacci will be hosting a spaghetti dinners/ forums across the state to bring awareness about raising Maine’s minimum wage.
“These spaghetti dinners have always been a great opportunity to bring the community together for a family dinner that encourages discussion and unity on important working class issues,” said Bangor City Councilor Joe Baldacci.
According to the non-partisan Economic Policy Institute (EPI) the federal minimum wage of $7.25 is worth $2 less today than it was in 1968 when adjusted for inflation. Someone working 40 hours a week at the federal minimum wage of $7.25, would earn $290 each week—or $15,080 every year—$4,610 below the federal poverty level.
“Nobody working a 40 hour week should live in poverty,” said Councilor Baldacci.“I hope these dinners will help generate a grassroots push for a statewide minimum wage increase.”
The spaghetti dinners will also give people information about the Maine Peoples Alliance’s minimum wage petition drive to raise the wage to $12 an hour.
There will be upcoming events in Bangor, Portland, Millinocket, and Presque Isle.
Joe Baldacci has already held a town forum in Bangor, and spoke on the issue in Waldo County, and Washington County.
All of the proceeds from the dinners will go to a local nonprofit.
For decades the Baldacci family ran an Italian restaurant in Bangor. Momma Baldacci’s became a meeting place known for its food, conversation, and community atmosphere. That led to the Baldacci’s hosting spaghetti dinners to raise money for local charities and support issues relevant to working families.
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