DeLauro Statement On The Labor Department's Final Overtime Rule

Statement

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Labor's final overtime rule, which will raise the overtime pay threshold for workers from $23,660 to $47,476 a year, and from $455 to $913 a week.

"The Labor Department's final overtime rule is welcome news for the millions of American workers who are working longer hours, yet are still struggling to get by. With this rule, the Administration is taking another strong step forward to lift up America's working families and give them a fair shot in the work place. Strengthening overtime pay protections not only protects workers, it creates a level playing field for businesses that want to pay their employees a fair and decent wage," said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.

According to the Department of Labor, the new rule is expected to extend overtime protections to 4.2 million more Americans who are not currently eligible under federal law, and it is expected to boost wages for workers by $12 billion over the next 10 years.

"Now that the Administration has acted, Congress must go further to give American working families the resources they need to succeed. From raising the minimum wage, to guaranteeing equal pay for equal work, we can do more for employees who are not earning a fair wage. From enacting paid family and medical leave, to guaranteeing safe and affordable child care, we can do more to help employees balance work and family life. And from protecting the Affordable Care Act, to guaranteeing paid sick days, we can do more to ensure that our employees are staying healthy. American workers cannot wait any longer for Congress to act on these issues and we must act now," continued DeLauro.

DeLauro is the Senior Democrat on the subcommittee responsible for funding the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education.

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