Cleaver: It is time to raise the minimum wage

In his latest EC from DC report, Fifth District Congressman Emanuel Cleaver talks about his continuing efforts to get an increase in the minimum wage passed.

People working full time jobs should not have to raise their families in poverty. This week I fought hard in Washington to bring the issue of raising the minimum wage to the House Floor for a vote. And I will continue to do this. 

Why?

• Raising the minimum wage will increase pay for at least 25 million American workers.
• It will lift more than 1 million Americans out of poverty.
• That would directly affect 373,000 workers in Missouri.
• It would indirectly affect 578,000 workers in our state.
• That means almost 23% of Missouri’s workforce would be impacted by a minimum wage increase to $10.10 an hour.
• Hundreds of economists and experts agree that a higher minimum wage is good for our economy, our workers, and our long-term growth.
• It is estimated that an increase in the minimum wage would generate some $22 billion in increased economic activity across the country and add 85,000 jobs.

I signed onto a discharge petition to force a vote on increasing the minimum wage because I believe if allowed to vote, this would pass. It’s an essential part of building an economy that works for everyone. 

Did you know?

• The average minimum wage worker is 35 years old.
• The average minimum wage worker is responsible for half of their family’s total income.
• More than half of all minimum wage earners are women.

The hardworking men and women in Missouri’s Fifth District are long overdue for a pay raise. A hard day’s work should result in earning a decent day’s pay. It is time.