Hilda L. Solis: “the minimum wage, as you know, has not been raised in the last 9 years and is currently at its lowest level in the last…”

“the minimum wage, as you know, has not been raised in the last 9 years and is currently at its lowest level in the last 50 years when adjusted for inflation. Yet Republicans have continually refused to raise the pay of these full-time workers who struggle to make ends meet. During the last 6 years, by the way, 5 million people now live in poverty. Last week the American people spoke out for the Democratic majority in Congress, because they agreed that no one in the Nation who works hard should be denied a livable wage. In fact, over 70 percent of Latinos work at minimum wage to support their children. These are hardworking Americans, and they deserve better treatment and fairness. Now the American people have spoken and call for immediate action to raise the minimum wage. Within the first 100 hours of the Congress, Democrats will pass a pay increase for those workers who need it the most. It is only fair. How can we as a Nation justify giving millionaires tens of thousands of dollars in tax breaks while we continue to force more than 6 million Americans to live with just $5.15 an hour? Mr. Speaker, thanks to the election results, we will see a much-needed raise in the minimum wage for all Americans.”