Letter to the editor: State workers on food stamps

Dear Editor,

I just sent this letter to area State Senators and Representatives:

I am new to this state and MDOT. I was hired Dec. 16, 2005. I am 34 years old. I have been married for 16 years and have a 15 year old son and a 11 year old daughter. I am interested in what is going on in MDOT and our state in general.

I moved from Arizona. I was a city bus driver and was a member of the local union there, ATU. I am surprised at the low wages here in Mississippi for the state. In Arizona, I was making $11.93 as a city bus driver with two and a half years of driving. I had a Class B license. I now have a Class A license and am only making $7.75 per hour. WOW!!!

I am appreciative of the holiday pay, sick time and personal time. However, I am now on food stamps. Are you able to help out state workers who can vote?

Shawn Miller
Hattiesburg, MS