Federal government comment on new minimum wage
The federal government has not yet officially commented on a new minimum wage. However, there have been ongoing discussions and debates about increasing the federal minimum wage in the United States.
In January 2021, President Joe Biden signed an executive order directing the Department of Labor to propose a new rule to increase the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour for federal contractors. The order also directed the Department of Labor to propose a rule to increase the minimum wage for tipped workers, youth workers, and workers with disabilities.
In March 2021, the Biden administration released a proposed rule to increase the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour for federal contractors. The proposed rule would apply to new federal contracts and would not affect existing contracts.
In addition, there have been several bills introduced in Congress to increase the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour or higher. For example, the Raise the Wage Act, which was introduced in the House of Representatives in January 2021, would gradually increase the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025.
It's worth noting that the federal minimum wage has not been increased since 2009, when it was raised to $7.25 per hour. Many states and cities have since increased their minimum wages above the federal level, and some have implemented higher minimum wages for certain industries or employers.
Here are some quotes from federal government officials and lawmakers on the issue of increasing the minimum wage:
- "Raising the minimum wage is a matter of economic justice and fairness. It's a matter of ensuring that hardworking Americans can earn a living wage and support their families." - President Joe Biden
- "The minimum wage has not kept pace with inflation, and it's time for a change. We need to raise the minimum wage to a living wage, so that workers can afford the basic necessities of life." - Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
- "Increasing the minimum wage is a critical step towards reducing income inequality and promoting economic growth. It's time for Congress to take action and raise the minimum wage to a fair and living wage." - Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA)
- "Raising the minimum wage is a good start, but we need to do more to address the growing wealth gap in our country. We need to invest in education, job training, and infrastructure to create good-paying jobs and opportunities for all Americans." - Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
It's worth noting that there are also opposing views on the issue of increasing the minimum wage, with some arguing that it could lead to job losses and higher prices for consumers.