Post by bot on Apr 15, 2015 22:00:00 GMT -5
Hoyer Statement on the Congressional Progressive Caucus's Forum on the Low Wage Economy
Hoyer: Congress Has Responsibility to Help American Families by Replacing Flawed Policy of Sequester, Raising the Minimum Wage
WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after attending the Congressional Progressive Caucus's forum on "A Good Jobs Strategy For The Low Wage Economy:"
"I was proud to be on hand for today's hearing by the Congressional Progressive Caucus on wage stagnation. I appreciate the work of the CPC under Co-Chairs Keith Ellison and Raúl Grijalva to draw attention to this important issue and to discuss ways that the federal government can promote a higher minimum wage for America’s workers. I also want to thank 'Change to Win' and America’s labor unions for their tireless efforts to inform Congress and the public about the benefits of raising the minimum wage.
“Right now, there are families around the country struggling to make ends meet, even with parents working two – sometimes three or more – jobs just to keep a roof over their children’s heads and food in their mouths. The current federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour is not close to being enough to live on and to access the opportunities that make the American Dream possible. In fact, since 1968 the minimum wage has declined 45% in its purchasing power.
“Our economy has made a substantial recovery from the recession, but that recovery hasn’t been felt by all Americans. Too many low-income workers and their families are still in a recession. At the same time, those who are earning the lowest wages are also among the most vulnerable to Republicans’ dangerous sequester policy, which slashes funding for critical programs that serve those in need. Congress has a responsibility to do what it can to help by replacing the flawed policy of sequester and by raising the minimum wage. Doing so will not only assist minimum wage workers but also their employers and our economy.
“At the hearing today, Members heard from employees whose wages have increased and who can speak to how much that has helped them and their families during a difficult time. We also heard from employers who voluntarily implemented higher minimum wage policies and told of the positive impact it has had on their businesses. It is important for Congress to hear these perspectives and to focus intently on this issue that is so critical to the growth of our middle class and the sustainability of the American Dream."