Wisconsin Congressman Mark Pocan wants to highlight minimum wage workers, for tonight’s State of the Union address from President Obama. Obama will address strategies to deal with income inequality. “I think what the president’s going to outline tonight, and what he’s been very clear and articulate on, on minimum wage, is that these are things that we need to do so that everyone can move ahead,” the Madison Democrat said.
Pocan has invited Ariana Goodwin, a low wage worker from Madison, to attend the address as his guest. Goodwin is a single mother of two, currently working for less than minimum wage at Operation Fresh Start in Madison. She said a living wage would give her a measure of independence. Goodwin has completed training as a certified nursing assistant while at Operation Fresh Start. “I want to be a good role model for my children” she said during a media conference call with Pocan.
Pocan said Republicans should heed Obama’s comments on income inequality in tonight’s address. “I’m glad the president’s putting this out there, and hopefully what that means is if the Republicans want to move their agenda forward, they’re getting a better idea of what the president and the Democrats’ agenda is.”