COPS / Metro Fights Battle to Raise Wages in San Antonio

Communities Organized for Public Service and the Metro Alliance, or COPS/Metro, one of the leading wage advocacy groups in San Antonio, started its living wage campaign about a year ago. The goal is to raise hourly wages for public workers to at least $14.91 — the average amount needed for a family four to stay off government assistance such as food stamps.

Father Mike DeGerolami, pastor of St. Timothy Catholic Church and a member of COPS/Metro, said the group maintains that "if you're working full time, especially for a public entity ... you shouldn't have to seek public assistance."