Statement on Living Wage: Not only do I believe in living wage for all workers, I believe their labor should be respected. As human beings we are asked to give our best to what we do. We bring different talents and abilities to the world of work which should be adequately compensated and respected as we ourselves work to give our best to what we do.

I have also committed a great amount of time to developing a workforce initiative to provide training and upward mobility for entry level workers. We not only need to commit to a living wage, but to opening a door for a brighter future for more of our citizens, particularly minorities.

1. Living Wages and State Institutions: The University of Virginia, a state institution, is the major employer in our district. How, as a member of the legislature, would you deal with the fact that many of their employees receive less than a living wage?

Answer: It is my understanding that the University agreed to a living wage for their employees. However, many basic services are performed under contracts with private sector employers who do not provide a living wage. See answers below.

2. Living Wages and Private Employers: Virginia is a right-to-work state. This inhibits workers' ability to organize into unions and removes from our lowest paid workers a vital tool in improving living standards. How would you address private employers who do not today pay a living wage?

Answer: I would submit a joint House/Senate resolution making that a criteria - not a requirement - in evaluating all contracts and responses to state bids for services. The facts of each situation - need, locality, emergency, summer students - should be considered. At present the lack of a living wage is not even a consideration.

Nancy O'Brien (electronic mail, November 8, 2001).