Voting along party lines, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Raise the Wage Act Thursday which would double the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. The increase would take place gradually over six years.
Georgia’s five Democrats supported the proposal. The state’s Republican lawmakers voted against it, citing a report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office which estimates that a $15 minimum wage could cause between 1.3 million and 3.7 million job losses.
“For 10 years, the federal minimum wage has not been increased to keep up with inflation—which means Americans are working just as hard but are earning less than their parents,” said Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-GA-02).
“I have long supported American workers and was proud to support the Raise the Wage,” Bishop added. “Not only will this bill give 43 percent of workers in our district a much-needed raise, an increased minimum wage will stimulate the local economy. The proposed increase is modest and gradual, so businesses will have plenty of time to adjust. Americans work hard and should be able to support themselves and their families.”
The current $7.25 minimum hourly rate was set in 2009.
A fact sheet released by a U.S. House subcommittee said the Raise the Wage Act of 2019 would:
• Gradually raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 by 2025;
• Index future increases in the federal minimum wage to median wage growth to ensure the value of minimum wage does not once again erode over time;
• Guarantee tipped workers are paid at least the full federal minimum wage by phasing out the subminimum wage for tipped workers, which will ensure consistent, livable pay without eliminating tips;
• Guarantee teen workers are paid at least the full federal minimum wage by phasing out the rarely used subminimum wage for youth workers;
• End subminimum wage certificates for workers with disabilities to provide opportunities for workers with disabilities to be competitively employed and participate more fully in their communities.
The legislation is not expected to make it out of the Republican-controlled Senate.
