Sen.
Salazar: Today Millions Get Long Awaited Raise in the Minimum Wage
WASHINGTON
– Today, over thirteen million Americans will get a much needed raise
as the first increase in the minimum wage in ten years goes into effect.
United States Ken Salazar released the following statement regarding
this long awaited raise for millions of Americans:
“Today is a big
day for millions of hard working Americans as they receive a long overdue
raise with an increase in the minimum wage,” said Senator Salazar.
“Over the next two years as this increase is enacted, it will
provide millions of families with additional funds to cover the increasing
costs of health insurance, gasoline and home heating, as well as attending
college. With this increase, we are paying America’s workers a better
wage so they may join in the prosperity of our Nation.”
The increase will mean an
additional $4,400 in annual wages, which could be used to pay for:
- Almost two years of
child care;
- More than full tuition
for a community college degree;
- A year and a half of
heat and electricity;
- More than a year of groceries;
and
- More than 8 months of
rent.
Last November, Colorado
joined 28 other states and the District of Columbia in setting a minimum
wage for the state. Raising the federal minimum wage to $7.25 an hour
would directly raise the pay of 87,000 workers and benefit 251,000 workers
overall in Colorado.
The minimum wage will be
gradually increased from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour over the next two years.
Today, the federal minimum wage will increase to $5.85. One year from
today, it will rise to $6.55 an hour. Two years from today, it will
increase to $7.25 an hour.
###
|
