Sheila Jackson Lee: “Apartment complexes, local stores, local clothing stores, churches, and nonprofits benefit from the generosity of…”

“Apartment complexes, local stores, local clothing stores, churches, and nonprofits benefit from the generosity of individuals who now have a decent wage. I am standing with working people and unions. I am standing with the American people and 41.3 percent of my district. Let us raise the minimum wage. That is the right thing to do. It is for our children. Mr. Speaker, as an original cosponsor, I rise in strong support of H.R. 582, the ``Raise the Wage Act.'' With the passage of this bill, the House of Representatives will take another step in making good on its commitment to working families and individuals to put their economic interests and concerns first and attach the highest priority to making the real economy work for ordinary Americans who work hard, play by the rules, and are struggling to get by through no fault of their own. We Democrats promised to chart a new direction for America if the voters entrusted us with the majority. They did and with our votes today in support of H.R. 582, we are making good on our promise. Mr. Speaker, before I discuss the importance of this bill in detail, I wish to commend Chairman Scott, Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, Majority Whip Clyburn, and the rest of the Democratic leadership, as well as my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus, which is led so ably by Congressman Bass.…”