“This is unacceptable. No one working full time should be struggling to survive,” said Rep. Analilia Mejia regarding the proposed Living Wage for All Act.
The bill aims to raise the federal minimum wage to $25 an hour, marking the first significant increase in over a decade. Currently, the federal minimum wage stands at just $7.25 per hour, unchanged since 2009.
The legislation seeks to eliminate subminimum wages and is backed by over 100 labor, civil rights, and advocacy groups. Large employers would need to implement this new wage by 2031, while smaller employers would have until 2038.
Supporters argue that the current federal wage no longer reflects the rising cost of living in the United States. Critics warn that such a substantial increase in labor costs could lead businesses to cut jobs or reduce working hours.
Key facts:
- The proposed federal minimum wage is $25 per hour.
- The current federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour.
- Large employers must comply by 2031; smaller employers by 2038.
- More than 30 states have minimum wages above the federal level.
This proposal is part of a broader national movement advocating for higher wages across the country. It ties future increases in the minimum wage to overall wage growth within the economy.
