Letter: Cost-of-living estimates off-base

I was disheartened to read the estimated monthly budget chart in your article, “Lawmakers noncommittal on minimum wage hike” (Star-Advertiser, Nov. 26). As a single adult, I find the expenses for my category greatly underestimated.

The $132 transportation budget comes up short if an individual has a basic car payment, insurance, maintenance and gas for a vehicle. Riding the bus is not a realistic option for many people who do not live in the urban core or close to their workplace. Nowhere were basic necessities included, such as a cell phone and internet service, which is a requirement for most jobs. Furthermore, $98 for health care is a ridiculous estimate.

As an adult who earns more than the $33,350 wage needed for the estimated budget, I come up well short of what I need for my expenses every month. I don’t know what the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism is thinking.

Kwai Daugherty

Wahiawa

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