Delaney Original Cosponsor of Legislation to Increase Federal Minimum Wage

Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) is an original cosponsor of the Raise the Wage Act, legislation filed today by Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-3) to increase the federal minimum wage, gradually eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped workers, and index the wage to increases in the median wage. In 2013-14, Delaney was a leader in raising the minimum wage in Maryland.

"To help more working families thrive, we need to raise the minimum wage. If you have a job and you're working full time, you should be able to support yourself and your family. As a former entrepreneur and CEO, I know that companies do well when they treat their employees well," said Congressman Delaney. "Millions of Americans rely on a minimum wage job to put food on the table, pay for school and keep the lights on. When the minimum wage stagnates, so does their ability to support their families and join the middle class. Today's bill will help bring minimum-wage earners out of poverty and index their pay to ensure they're never left behind again."

The minimum wage has not been increased since 2009, when it was raised to $7.25. Beginning in January of 2016, the Raise the Wage Act would increase the federal minimum wage by $0.75 to $8.00 per hour. Every year thereafter, the minimum wage would increase by $1.00 per hour until it reaches $12.00. Starting in 2021, the federal minimum wage would keep pace with rising wages through automatic annual increases. The Raise the Wage Act would also gradually eliminate the subminimum tipped wage.

Source