Millions of Americans do important work that keeps our society functioning but are not paid a living wage. They produce our food, stock our grocery shelves, keep hospitals and schools clean, care for our children, work as home health aides, and so much more.
The 1.7 million Americans who work full-time at the federal minimum wage of just $7.25 an hour earn $15,000 a year. We must be honest with ourselves: No one can meet the minimum standard of living in 2023, much less support a family, on an income of just $15,000 a year.
People who work full-time jobs shouldn’t have to struggle to keep a roof over their heads and food on their table. That is not the American dream. It’s time for Congress to do something about it. We must raise the federal minimum wage.