WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following President Obama’s call to increase wages for workers during tonight’s State of the Union address, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) renewed his call to support workers and promote economic opportunity for all Americans by raising the federal minimum wage. The current federal minimum wage stands at just $7.25 an hour and the tipped minimum wage – which hasn’t been increased in more than 20 years – stands at just $2.13 an hour.
“There are too many Americans working full-time jobs that still fall below the poverty line,” Brown said. “As a result, many families struggle to put food on the table, pay for their gas, and afford their bills. We must raise the minimum wage so that it lifts working families above the poverty line and strengthens the U.S. economy. Congress must come together to support a real, significant increase in the minimum wage. Doing so will help give millions the chance for financial security and our economy the chance to grow.”
Last Congress, Brown cosponsored legislation that would raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour from its current $7.25—in three steps of 95 cents—then provide for automatic annual increases linked to changes in the cost of living. The bill would also gradually raise the minimum wage for tipped workers—which currently stands at just $2.13 an hour—for the first time in more than 20 years, to 70 percent of the regular minimum wage.
When the tipped minimum wage was first established, it was 50 percent of the regular minimum wage, and at its peak, 60 percent during the 1980s. Today, however, it stands at a mere 29 percent of the regular minimum wage. That’s why Brown cosponsored the Fair Minimum Wage Act which would gradually raise the tipped minimum wage to 70 percent of the regular minimum wage.
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