Sponsors of the Decency Principles Project are calling upon Utah's big businesses to join the cause.

"The response has been good from government and nonprofit organizations, but there's a lot more that business can do," said Rev. Ronald B. Thomas Jr., project coordinator for the Crossroads Urban Center.Launched a year ago, the Decency Principles Project attempts to prevent poverty by encouraging employers to pay non-poverty wages - at least $5.71 per hour - and provide adequate health-care benefits.

Speaking at a press conference Sunday in front of the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Building, Rev. Thomas said letters have been sent to Utah's 50 biggest employers inviting them to become signators of the principles.

Rev. Thomas said companies that are unable to meet the wage standards or provide their workers with necessary benefits can at least to work to meet the goals through public policy solutions.

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"Together, all of us can solve the working poverty that affects 63 percent of all poor households. Let the top 50 employers in Utah lead the way," Rev. Thomas said.

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