Approximately 20 Branford residents rallied in front of Burger King last week as part of a statewide effort to bring attention to poverty within the state, highlight growing inequality and demand an economy that works for everyone.
Sponsored by Connecticut Working Families, the Branford event was one of 24 held in towns and cities throughout the state where poverty has increased over the last decade. Many were scheduled to be held at fast food restaurants and Walmart’s, which have all been under pressure to pay their employees a living wage.
Branford is no stranger to the increase in families suffering from food insecurity and declining incomes. Wendy Cowles of the Branford Food Pantry cited a UConn study from 2013 in which Branford ranked 119 out of 169 towns with low food security. Food security is defined as having access to safe and healthy food. “We’re here as a show of force,” Cowles said.
Chris Sullivan, minority leader of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) and chair of the Democratic Town Committee (DTC), said, “We’re going in the wrong direction. We’re here creating awareness. Statistics show that poverty is up by 50 percent in 10 years.” Democrats Yve Larrieu, vice-chair of the DTC, and Pam Knapp, DTC secretary, also participated.
Sullivan referred to statistics from a Connecticut Voices for Children report, which showed Branford was among the towns that had “statistically significant increases the percent of all residents in poverty,” rising from 4.1 percent to 6.7 percent. Just eight towns experienced a decrease of residents in poverty.
Gov. Dannel Malloy recently signed a bill increasing the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour, but that won’t be fully in effect until 2017. In the meantime, the average hourly wage for restaurant workers is $8.74, and that is not for full-time work. Fast food workers taking part in recent rallies call for an increase to $15 an hour, as does former national secretary of labor and author Robert Reich, who is outspoken on the need for economic reform. Reich is featured in the widely shown documentary, “Inequality for All,” which highlights the widening income gap.
While Branford is indeed among the towns affected by the uncertain economy, there is a solid social services system in place. Click here to read our recent report on the recession hanging on in Branford.
Longtime volunteer Eunice Lasala (pictured right) was at the rally representing BranfordCares. “We must take care of people who don’t have basic needs,” she said. She added that the volunteer organization, which seeks to raise awareness and compassion for those needing food, clothing, shelter, medical care, transportation, and utilities, raised $60,000 for Branford Counseling Center last year.
The Rev. Sharon Gracen, Trinity Episcopal Church rector, also attended the rally. (See photo above.) She has been active with BranfordCares since its inception.
The timing of the rally coincided with the evening commute and drew many toots of support from passersby. By 5:30 p.m., the participants were dissipating — many were heading over to the Blackstone Memorial Library to hear Ted Kennedy Jr. make official his intention to run for the 12th district Senate seat.
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They demand "free college for all"? And who do they think is supposed to pay for that? I worked part time throughout college, got loans, and paid them all back. I suggest they do the same.