WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Reps. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) and Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), introduced the Raise the Wage Act of 2017, a bill that would raise the federal minimum wage in eight steps to $15 per hour by 2024.
A new report from the Economic Policy Institute shows that increase would lift wages for 41 million workers nationwide, reversing decades of growing pay inequality. In Iowa 38 % of workers would be positively impacted by a raise in the minimum wage (state breakdowns here).
“Today’s report shows that raising the minimum wage would be a positive economic step for all working people in Iowa,” said Ken Sagar, President of the Iowa Federation of Labor. “The increase in wages will help stimulate the economy, and create greater business activity and job growth. Workers deserve better, and this would be a great step toward changing the rigged rules of the economy so it benefits all working people. Iowa had increased in place, but recent Republican lead legislation took that away from working people.”
In real dollars, the federal minimum wage has fallen by 10% since 2009, when it last was raised. It is 25% below its peak value in 1968. What that means is that low-wage workers have to work longer hours just to have a standard of living that was considered the bare minimum almost 50 years ago.
Thursday also marks a decade since the last federal minimum wage hike, the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007, was signed into law by President George W. Bush. The subminimum wage for tipped working people – which is rooted in post-abolition racist attitudes – has been frozen even longer, remaining stalled at $2.13 per hour for more than a quarter century.
People that are public servants do not have a clue what is really going on in the private sector – who of course pay their cushy wages and health insurance – Bernie -go croak somewhere else you sold out puke.
In 1968 I started work for a nationally known insurance company (with a large local office) for $1.60 an hour. We received a 5 cent-an-hour raise once each year. I lived in a MC apartment and shared the rent with one other girl. I bought a ’65 Mustang, never missed paying rent, and had plenty left over to buy all the groceries I needed. Managed to have a lot of fun too. Minimum wage went much further, that’s for sure.
If this were t pass, the first thing you would notice, is that people will work less. If they are making more per hour, it takes less hours to get the supplemental income that is needed to fill the void from their welfare. Watch and see. Places like Seattle have found this out
“Libs” in the headline, what a joke of a website NIT is.
NIT headlines are designed to appeal to the Neanderthal reader. Many are peppered with biased, catchy bait that is snapped up by the bottom feeders. Just browse the current batch of tabloid style story lines.
sorry if it offends you thin skinned pansies.
Goodbye Chickenshit!
I see both sides. I remember when the minimum wage was raised in the 70’s and I was given a “raise” to minimum when I had been making over minimum.
I’m also wise enough to realize that tax dollars are assisting the McDonald’s and Walmart workers, so I am already paying more for that Big Mac than the published rate.
If you are willing to work full time you shouldn’t be in poverty level.
Yet you are not smart enough to realize that someone has to work the jobs you are complaining about? People always claim fast food is for kids, yet cry everytime their food comes out wrong.
I can’t wait to pay $12.00 for a Big Mac, and 6 bucks for a package of Corn King hot dogs, yum….
Big Mac’s & corn dogs eh, aren’t you just the health conscious type.
At that rate, your costing health care bills will far out-way a raise in minimum wage.
I didn’t say that I ate them, I was trying to make a point, because thousands of people do. And you shouldn’t worry about my health care, as I pay for my own, thank you. You are just a cornucopia of information, and I wonder sometimes when I read your comments, how you got so smart.
So you can’t wait to pay for them, but you won’t eat them.
Yes, that makes sense.
It is not fair for those of us who busted our butts and went to school and paid back student loans…. and who have to continue to maintain licenses.
Entry level jobs are just that. What greater incentive is there to better yourself by working in jobs that don’t pay well. If you choose to work in an area that just pays minimum wage, that is your choice.
When you raise the minimum wage, I guarantee you that my employer is not raising mine at the same rate. the next progression is businesses have to either layoff or raise the cost of their goods. So what is gained. Let the market determine wage
Typical it is all about me reply. I got mine and I don’t give a damn about anyone else. You ever thought that maybe some of those people don’t have a choice about where they live or their circumstances?
Started my first job at $1.65. I worked my way up and I am very proud of where it am. I got laid off twice, had a family member with very serious illness when I lost my insurance. I paid off every last dollar of my medical bills and never had a fundraiser held in my honor or go fund me. Don’t lecture me about not giving a damn about others. You don’t know me and I resent your patronizing attitude.
Carly…….Seems as though you have had some very humbling experiences and managed to survive quite well. I admire your fortitude and a bit of good fortune. Your comment did come off a bit snarky (in my opinion) and I can see why you received some criticism.
You are one of the lucky ones then. Not everyone has the opportunities you apparently have. When you started at $1.65 an hour, when and where was that at?
In 1968 the minimum wage was $1.60, which is right about $11 in today’s wages — the most purchasing power federal minimum wage has ever had. My guess is Carly made MW sometime around then.
Right around 1975. I paid my own rent, bought my own groceries, and had a car payment. I lived within my means and saved for my wants.
What’s the reason guys? They don’t take great skills? But if someone with limited skills wants to work, why shouldn’t they make a wage that allows them to actually live off of it?
really bad idea. minimum wage jobs are that way for a reason.
horrible bill