WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), and Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) released the following statement today after the introduction of the Raise the Wage Act, led by Ranking Member of the Education and Workforce Committee Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) and CPC Member Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) in the House, and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and CPC Member Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) in the Senate.
The Raise the Wage Act would raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2024. Last Congress, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, led by Rep. Pocan and Sen. Sanders, introduced the Pay Workers a Living Wage Act to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour.
“The federal minimum wage has been a stagnant $7.25 for far too long, forcing workers to juggle multiple jobs while barely making ends meet. For years, the CPC and progressive groups like Fight for $15 and Good Jobs Nation have fought for workers’ right to a living wage and have continued to show how low wages impact the daily lives of working families.”
“The Raise the Wage Act shows the Democratic Party is unified in committing itself to workers and addressing the economic hardships families are facing every day. While the rich get richer, working people have been stuck with stagnant wages that keep them in poverty. If this bill passed, it would not only lift millions out of poverty and increase the standard of living, but it would also begin to address wealth inequality in America. It’s long past time to give working families a raise.”
###
The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) is the largest caucus within the House Democratic Caucus, with over 70 members standing up for progressive ideals in Washington and throughout the country. Since 1991, the CPC has advocated for progressive policies that prioritize working Americans over corporate interests, fight economic and social inequality, and promote civil liberties. The CPC champions progressive policy solutions like comprehensive immigration reform, a $15 national minimum wage, fair trade, gun violence reform, debt-free college, and making the federal government a Model Employer.
Follow CPC
