Political Quotes

“I wish to express my strong support for increasing the minimum wage. It is outrageous that this Congress will not help middle-class workers. This Congress needs to do two things to make sure we give a fair shot to everyone and build a stronger middle class: Raise the minimum wage and pass the Paycheck Fairness Act. I am on the side of economic fairness and building a stronger middle class to bring opportunities to families across the Nation. What is economic fairness? It means that if you work hard and play by the rules, you deserve a fair shot at the American dream. The minimum wage is at a historic all-time low. It has lost 30 percent of its buying power compared to its peak buying power in 1968. The minimum wage only pays $15,000 a year. That is $4,000 below the poverty line for a family of three. Increasing the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour would pay $20,200 a year--lifting that family of three out of poverty. What does increasing the minimum wage mean for Maryland? Increasing the minimum wage will give 450,000 workers in Maryland a raise. Increasing the minimum wage will improve the lives of 210,000 Maryland children because their parent just got a raise. When we raise the minimum wage, we all move a rung up on the opportunity ladder. Congress needs to raise the minimum wage so that hard work is worth it--because a full-time job shouldn't mean full-time poverty! That is why I am an enthusiastic cosponsor of the Fair Minimum Wage Act.…”