Remembering the principles Labor Day was founded on

If you have a little gray hair poking out, you probably remember the “This Bud’s for You” advertising campaign. Budweiser gave a shout-out to American jobs that do not always receive the recognition or praise they deserve: plumbers, secretaries, janitors, factory workers, mechanics and the thousands of other people who keep our towns running.

The campaign worked because it understood something simple. A person can take pride in doing difficult work, even when nobody notices it. The truck driver who gets up before daylight, the school custodian who unlocks the building, the CNA who works a long shift, the ranch hand fixing fence in the wind, the grocery clerk, the waitress, the mechanic and the construction worker, all of whom deserve more than a quick pat on the back once a year.

When Labor Day became a national holiday in 1894, labor strikes, terrible working conditions and racism still clouded America’s workforce. It was a reminder that the people who did the work of the nation deserved a voice, a fair chance and safe conditions. We have come a long way in the past 132 years, but there is still a long way to go.

Inflation has made it difficult for many Wyoming families to afford basic necessities. Housing, groceries, child care and medical care have all become more expensive. Things need to change if a man or woman can work a tough job 40 hours a week and still cannot afford food, basic medical care or a secure place to live. When that happens, the American Dream needs some work.

Wyoming can do better. We are proud of our work ethic, our independence and our willingness to help neighbors in need. But pride alone does not pay a medical bill or put groceries in the refrigerator. A hardworking person should not have to choose between filling a prescription, buying school clothes for a child or putting enough food on the table.

I believe Wyoming’s future is bright, but it will be brighter when the people who make our communities work can truly afford to live in them. Let this Labor Day remind us of the many hardworking Americans who show up for a tough job every day and still need to visit the food bank on Friday afternoon.

If that is you, “This Bud’s for you.” You are not forgotten.