By Lewis Loflin
In January 2014, I wrote a letter to the Bristol Herald Courier advocating for a higher minimum wage in the Bristol, Virginia-Tennessee region. My argument then, as now, is straightforward: raising the minimum wage to a living standard—equivalent to $10-$15 per hour in 2014 dollars—would uplift the working poor, reduce reliance on public assistance, and address systemic economic inequities. As we navigate 2025, these challenges persist, exacerbated by inflation and stagnant wages that continue to strain low-income workers.
The Bristol region has long faced economic hurdles. High child poverty rates, chronic underemployment, and a scarcity of well-paying jobs remain significant issues. Many workers encounter a labor market that feels rigged, with local businesses and government often prioritizing corporate interests over community needs. Raising the minimum wage could be a step toward balancing this equation, empowering workers to earn a dignified living without depending on welfare.
Below is the letter I published in 2014, which captures the urgency of addressing wage stagnation and economic disparity in Bristol:
Re: Raising the minimum wage. I’m voicing my support of President Obama to raise the minimum wage to $10-$15 an hour.
The tens of millions of dollars wasted on corporate welfare and crony capitalism have done nothing to raise the living standards of the working poor in this region. The same people writing multi-million checks to retail developers are the same ones that begrudge our low-wage workforce $10 in food stamps.
Bristol-Virginia-Tennessee region ranks near the bottom in nearly every social demographic in their respective states: highest child poverty rates—low-wage jobs and chronic under-employment—college degrees that are worthless forcing thousands to flee the region—jails bursting with those arrested for drugs—skyrocketing crime.
In addition, working people face a hostile labor climate from business often in partnership with local governments. There’s no free market here with this level of cronyism and backroom dealing. How many jobs will we create moving Belk to the Pinnacle and Lowe’s to the Falls?
I’d give business a 200 percent deduction on labor costs and kill useless regulations and taxes. Those on welfare would be forced to work for a living. Cutting out the government middleman and making work pay something is best for everyone.
In addition, we must cut off most immigration and end this system of importing replacement workers then shifting the social costs onto taxpayers. That means enforcing the labor and immigration laws. Fat chance in this low-wage labor hostile region.
No more corporate welfare, country music museums, underwriting minimum wage hotel, tourism, and retirement industries. Let’s get people off welfare and let them earn a living. Time to shut down the government money loop for the politically connected and end this system of social apartheid.
Lewis Loflin, Bristol, Va.
The issues I raised in 2014 remain relevant today. Inflation has eroded purchasing power, making a living wage even more critical. For context, $10 in 2014 is roughly equivalent to $13 in 2025, and $15 equates to about $19.50, based on CPI inflation data. Yet, many workers in Bristol still earn wages closer to the federal minimum of $7.25, unchanged since 2009. This gap fuels poverty and perpetuates reliance on public assistance.
Corporate welfare, as I noted, continues to divert resources from workers. Large-scale retail developments, often subsidized by taxpayer dollars, create low-wage jobs that fail to lift families out of poverty. For example, projects like the Pinnacle or the Falls, while marketed as economic boons, primarily benefit developers and retailers, not the workers stocking shelves or cleaning floors.
A higher minimum wage could break this cycle, enabling workers to afford necessities without government aid, boosting local economies through increased spending, and reducing turnover costs for businesses.
I’ve always believed in fairness. Businesses deserve relief from excessive regulations and taxes, which is why I proposed a 200 percent labor cost deduction in my letter. This would incentivize hiring and reward companies that pay fair wages. Simultaneously, we must ensure workers aren’t trapped in poverty. A living wage isn’t just moral—it’s practical, reducing the burden on social services and fostering self-reliance.
Immigration reform, another point I raised, remains contentious. My stance was about protecting local workers from exploitation, not closing borders. Enforcing labor laws could prevent businesses from undercutting wages with cheaper, often undocumented, labor, ensuring a level playing field for all.
Bristol’s potential is undeniable—its people are resilient, and its community is vibrant. Raising the minimum wage is one piece of a larger puzzle. By curbing corporate handouts, streamlining taxes, and prioritizing workers, we can build an economy that works for everyone, not just the connected few. Let’s make work pay and give every Bristolian a chance to thrive.
Acknowledgment: I’d like to thank Grok, an AI by xAI, for helping me draft and refine this article. The final edits and perspective are my own.
