When the cost of living goes up, so should wages. It's
common sense. The last time Congress voted to raise the wage to its current
rate of $7.25 an hour was seven years ago. Since then, the cost of life's
essentials have shot up. Groceries cost 20% more, a gallon of gas costs
25%more, and average tuition at a community college increased 44%. But the
minimum wage remains at $7.25. If it had kept up with inflation since 1968, it
would be almost $10.70 today.
Of our nation's more than 25 million low-wage workers who
would benefit from an increase—nine million who are parents supporting roughly
14 million children —most are paid wages so low that they bring home incomes
below or just above the federal poverty level. Most are not teenagers; their average
age is 35. Even though some also receive modest additional government
assistance, like the Earned Income Tax Credit, most low wage workers
report struggling to meet basic living expenses, particularly those supporting
a family.
Since 1938, the federal minimum wage has increased 22
times through bipartisan agreements under Democratic and Republican Congresses
and Administrations. In 1996 and 2007, we paired reasonable minimum wage increases
with pro-growth tax reform and critical national defense policy, providing a
roadmap for this Congress. In the House of Representatives, these bills passed with
large majorities and included half of the Republican Caucus.
Current members of Congress should note that raising the
federal minimum wage has always enjoyed broad support among constituents.
Today, as many as three quarters of Americans support an increase,
with polls showing majorities of Democrats, Republicans and independents in
favor. In fact, opposing the ability of hardworking Americans to earn a living
wage continues to be a losing issue politically, regardless of political party.
Sadly, the atmosphere in today's Congress no longer encourages finding common
ground. But addressing big issues like the minimum wage is a chance for the
governing wing of the Republican Caucus to take back our party.
In every Congressional district in our country, tens of
thousands of workers and their families would benefit from a raise in the wage. According to
Oxfam America, one in five U.S. workers would benefit from a $10.10 minimum
wage red or blue, urban or rural. And the majority of the workers who need a
raise live in Congressional districts represented by Republicans.
Because workers earning poverty wages turn to federal
benefits to make ends meet, increasing the minimum wage could also save taxpayers
billions of dollars.
It's well past time to raise the minimum wage and connect
future increases to the cost of living. We urge our former colleagues to be
open to the debate and do what is right for the working poor and our country by
working together to support an increase in the federal minimum wage. It's
simple common sense.
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