Hilda L. Solis: “the economic climate created by years of failed Republican policies is tough for many Americans to swallow. Millions of…”

“the economic climate created by years of failed Republican policies is tough for many Americans to swallow. Millions of full-time workers in the Nation who are making the Federal minimum wage, $5.15, find that every other cost-of-living expense has gone up, from prescription drugs to housing to just about everything, food on our table. The minimum wage has not increased for 10 years. The millions of Americans who would benefit from that increase know that it is impossible to make ends meet at the current salary that has not been raised since 1997. For example, we are struggling with the rising costs of oil and other expenses. Madam Speaker, everyone in the country who works full time to support their family deserves to earn a livable wage. Today, Democrats will demand a vote in this House to increase the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25. It is only fair. We hope that House Republicans, who have been more than willing to shower giant tax breaks to their wealthy friends, will finally realize that no American working full time deserves to live in poverty. We hope that you will join with us today to increase the minimum wage. ____________________”