John Yarmuth: “But the increase in the minimum wage, the first part of which takes effect today, will make a major difference in the…”

“But the increase in the minimum wage, the first part of which takes effect today, will make a major difference in the lives of America's working families. The extra $4,400 per year that these families will bring home to their families will have a very tangible impact on their lives. For families who have struggled too long without a raise, $4,400 a year translates into 15 months of groceries, 19 months of paid utility bills, 20 months of child care, or well over 2 years of employer-provided health care. The extra money could even pay for 30 months of tuition at a public 2-year college, allowing these parents to get additional education or to help their children achieve their dream of attending college. Madam Speaker, thanks to the Federal minimum wage increase passed by this Democratic Congress, nearly 13 million working Americans and more than 6 million children will have a chance at a better life. This fair and long overdue pay raise is an important first step in moving our Nation in a new economically healthy direction.”