On the recordJuly 16, 2019
Mr. Speaker, this week, for the first time in a decade, the House will vote to increase the Federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. This legislation is long overdue. Most economists believe that our country is suffering from a crisis of income inequality. It is virtually impossible for a working family to get by, let alone get ahead, working a--or several minimum wage jobs. Instead of actually increasing wages, this President and our Republican colleagues have showered the wealthiest with trillions in tax cuts that will never have a meaningful impact on economic growth and opportunity. This Congress needs to promote the dignity of work, and that starts with increasing the value of that work and paying Americans a fair wage. And the economic security that a fair wage will provide gives families the opportunity to participate in the economy and not struggle in its shadows. So as a matter of basic fairness and dignity, I urge my colleagues to support the Raise the Wage Act. ____________________





