No one who works 40 hours a week should be living in poverty.

Analysis

Bernie Sanders' statement aligns with the concept of a living wage, which is the minimum income necessary for a worker to meet their basic needs. The U.S. federal minimum wage has not always ensured this, but the principle itself is factually sound and supported by economic research. The statement is normative but grounded in verifiable economic realities.

Background

The U.S. federal minimum wage was $7.25/hour in 2013, which for a 40-hour workweek amounts to $15,080/year—below the poverty line for a family of two. Advocates argue that wages should cover basic living costs, a stance echoed by labor economists and policy experts.

Verdict summary

The statement reflects a widely accepted economic principle that full-time work should provide a living wage.

Sources consulted