Political Quotes

“I come to the floor to talk about the American Rescue Plan, but following my colleague from Washington and in the presence of the Senator from Vermont, I just want to thank them for how hard they have fought for an increase in the minimum wage. Our State, the State of Washington, has led the Nation for many years in the highest minimum wage, and it didn't impact our economy. In fact, it helped our economy. There are now reports, as we have moved towards $15 from just a little town, SeaTac, to the city of Seattle, to now a plan for our entire State to move to $15 over a gradual period of time. I urge my colleagues--I urge my colleagues to come together with a plan that can get us to a $15 minimum wage. I know we have it in us. I know we can do it. I so appreciate our colleagues waging this effort to continue to make this a priority for our Nation. I can't tell you enough how much the wages, particularly in a place like Seattle, are going to matter to people, to have a livable wage. I know people here have discussed various aspects of this program and the plans that are in this bill, but I just want them to know that the cost of living in a very expensive place like Seattle demands that we pay workers what they deserve. It also means that we deal with big-city problems like homelessness and deal with making investments, and I hope that our next infrastructure bill will get to that.…”