Tom Harkin: “4 years ago today, July 24, 2009, was the last time the minimum wage was increased. It rose from $6.55 an hour to $7.25…”

“4 years ago today, July 24, 2009, was the last time the minimum wage was increased. It rose from $6.55 an hour to $7.25 an hour. And it has been stuck there ever since. Four years is too long. It is time to raise the minimum wage. To that end, I have introduced legislation along with Rep. George Miller in the House. The Fair Minimum Wage Act will gradually increase the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour in three annual steps. Our bill will also link future increases in the minimum wage to the cost of living, using the Consumer Price Index, so that people who are trying to get ahead don't fall behind as our economy grows. Finally, our bill--for the first time in more than 20 years--will raise the minimum wage for workers who earn tips, from a paltry $2.13 per hour, today, to a level that is 70 percent of the regular minimum wage. This will be gradually phased in over the course of 6 years, which will give businesses time to adjust while providing more fairness for hardworking people in tipped industries. While millions of workers have been without a raise these past 4 years, costs have continued to climb. Between 2009 and 2012, rent has gone up 4%, auto repair costs have climbed 6%, food is 8% more expensive, child care costs 9% more, and public transportation takes a 13% bigger bite out of workers' wallets. I do not need to tell you that when you are taking in $1,000 a month, even a few dollars more at the grocery checkout line is a hardship.…”