living wage south?

much concern has been expressed about post-katrina contracts to outside companies, the hiring of migrant workers rather than residents, and failure to guarantee fair pay.

marc morial, urban league prexy and new orleans resident, spoke on those and other issues at georgetown law yesterday. (full text)

he pointed out that there's no shortage of work to be done and suggested putting local folk at the head of hiring lines and giving 50% tax forgiveness to companies that pay a living wage.

i would add "with full benefits."

but more important: now we have to cut taxes to get bosses to pay living wages? is this what we've come to? this "nation under god"?