Reporter’s Message: Houston considered affordable for singles

By Laura Onyeneho
From – Paper’s website
Reprinted – https://defendernetwork.com/

Making ends meet feels like a never-ending challenge. But for single Houstonians, you should be aware of some good and some not-so-good news. According to the latest report from SmartAsset, the city is leading the pack when it comes to needing the lowest salary to live comfortably in 2024. Now, you’re probably asking what the magic number is. If you’re single, you’ll need to bring in about $75,088 a year (before tax) to keep the lights on without consistently checking your bank balance.

Last year, it used to be about $62,260. That means to live a financially stable life based on the 50/30/20 strategy, a single person needs to spend $37,544 of their salary on living expenses, $22,526 for discretionary costs, and put about $15,017 towards savings or debt payments. For those whose salaries missed the mark, this is a good time to ask yourself some questions. Can you get a raise? If not, can you get a second job? Or can you transfer your skills to a place that meets your income standard? It’s hard out here, and no one should be struggling to make ends meet with a salary in the number one city recognized for its “affordability.”

Equal Pay Day is more than just a day

Speaking of salary, the battle for equal pay rages on as Equal Pay Day once again highlights the wage disparity between men and women. While women contribute significantly to their families and the economy, they continue to face unequal compensation in the workplace. Despite progress, the latest Census Bureau data reveals that women earn only 84 cents for every dollar men earn, a marginal increase from the previous year’s 83.7 cents.

This fight extends beyond a single day, persisting every day of the year. For Black women, the wage gap is even more pronounced. Black women make 69 cents for every dollar an average man makes. Though Black Women’s Equal Pay Day falls on July 9, it’s evident that discussions on equal pay shouldn’t be confined to designated days but should remain at the forefront of public discourse until tangible change occurs.

Drama at SXSW

The Israel and Palestine crisis has created a lot of division throughout the years. As the issue continues to escalate, some people are taking a stand against US military and defense companies between Israel and Hamas. Dozens of musicians and speakers at the South-by-South West festival in Austin canceled appearances in protest of events sponsored by US military and defense companies, and shared their solidarity with Palestinians. Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott was petty with his response: “Bye. Don’t come back.” What a great leader we have, huh? SXSW kept it neutral and respected the artists’ free speech but defended its decision to accept the sponsors. The US military is constantly supportive of Israel. And since the Gaza invasion following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, over 30,000 people have been killed and 70,000 injured in Gaza.