In 1960, the minimum wage was $1.00 an hour.

Here's what some basics cost in 1960:

New house; $11,700
Average monthly rent: $88
Gas: 22c a gallon
New car: $2,050
Health insurance for family: $75 a month

In 2008, the minimum wage was $6.55 an hour.

Here are the costs today:

New house: $212,000
Average monthly rent: $1,200
Gas: $2.25 a gallon
New car: $28,400
Health insurance for family: $840 a month

The costs have increased, on these basics, by a factor of 13 since 1960.

To have the same standard of living as Americans enjoyed in 1960, the minimum wage today should be $13 an hour.

HIGHER WAGES FOR THE AMERICAN WORKER NOW!