Eva M. Clayton: “I am delighted at last we will have a final vote on the minimum wage increase today. The American people wanted this, 8…”

“I am delighted at last we will have a final vote on the minimum wage increase today. The American people wanted this, 8 out of 10, and I am pleased that both Democrats and Republicans also will make this a reality. Twelve million workers certainly deserve better than to be working at their current level. Yes, the minimum wage that we are raising is not sufficient, but indeed the minimum wage increase will raise that to a level which will be a livable wage. The minimum wage worker now earns about 50 percent less if you equate the value of the raise now to the cost and the value some years ago. It means that the minimum wage we are increasing then is still not sufficient, but nevertheless this is an important first step. At least 117,000 or more persons who live in my State will have the benefit of this increase. What will this mean to them? Obviously it will mean 90 cents over 2 years, for a 2-year period, but that increase will mean $1,800 a year. That means it will make a difference in their lives and their families, their ability to provide for their families food and shelter, clothing and education.”