if you are a large corporation making a whole lot of money, you should not pay your workers starvation wages.

We must raise the minimum wage to a living wage, at least $15 an hour, and when we do that, not only will we be lifting millions of Americans out of poverty; we will be providing a raise to 32 million American workers.

Let me be very clear about this. The only way that we are going to raise the minimum wage is through reconciliation or ending the filibuster.

I do not see in the foreseeable future getting significant support from Republicans.

What this is about is a complicated process for this so-called Byrd Rule and reconciliation.

For once I think we are listening to the American people in this extraordinary time of need.

Poll after poll, over 60 percent of the American people have told us they support increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

It is time for the owners of Walmart, McDonald's, Dollar General, and other large corporations to get off welfare and pay their workers a living wage.

Why should the taxpayers of our country, many of whom are struggling economically as a result of the pandemic, be subsidizing the starvation wages being paid by some of the largest and most profitable corporations in America?

While Costco, Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major corporations have all raised their minimum wage in recent years to at least $15 an hour, the minimum wage at Walmart has remained stuck at $11 an hour for the last 3 years.

no ifs, buts, or maybes: $7.25 an hour is a starvation wage.

the American people are sick and tired of subsidizing the wealthiest family in America.

Why not $15? You do not have to wait on legislation or any law to be enacted. You can pay your workers today.

Key elements to rebalance bargaining power include: first, raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025.

not only will you be increasing your minimum wage from $15 to $16 an hour next week, but half of your hourly workers receive over $25 an hour.

Well, Ms. Brown Barnes, thank you very much for your very important work.

Congress has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pass the Raise the Wage Act, which is included in President Biden's American Rescue Plan Act.

In my view, the best way to help small business is to put cash into the pockets of low-wage workers who will then spend that money in grocery stores, restaurants, and small businesses all across this country.

The wealthiest people and corporations must contribute more.

Is it correct that McDonald's was a top five employer of employees receiving Federal benefits in 14 of the 15 agencies?

the simple truth is that no one in America can live with dignity, can raise a family on $11 or $12 an hour.

We cannot allow corporate greed to dictate our economy.

We need to ensure that corporations pay their fair share.

Why should taxpayers subsidize poverty wages at large profitable corporations?

Thank you very much, Senator.