On May 25, the Raise the Wage Act of 2017 was introduced by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Keith Ellison (D-MN). The bill (H.R. 15/S. 1242) would raise the federal minimum wage to $9.25 this year and increase it over the next seven years until it reaches $15 an hour in 2024. After 2024, the minimum wage would be indexed to inflation to keep pace with growth in the typical worker’s wages. The bill would also phase out the outdated subminimum wage for tipped workers, workers with disabilities, and workers under the age of 20. More than 150 Representatives and 30 Senators signed on as cosponsors of the bill. More than 150 organizations, including the National Employment Law Project and the Economic Policy Institute (two CHN members who have led this fight) also pledged their support for the bill.

Subscribe: