Democrats introduce bill to raise federal minimum wage to $17 by 2030

Senator Bernie Sanders and Rep. Bobby Scott have introduced the Raise the Wage Act, aiming to incrementally raise the federal minimum wage to $17 per hour by 2030. This bill, which has garnered support from 174 members of Congress and 85 organizations, aims to address the stagnation of the minimum wage, which has remained at $7.25 since 2009. Sanders emphasized the need for a living wage, asserting that no full-time worker should live in poverty, while Scott noted that nearly 22 million workers would benefit from this increase. The legislation also seeks to eliminate subminimum wages for tipped workers and youth, addressing disparities that particularly affect Black and Hispanic workers. The proposed changes come amid growing income inequality and the rising cost of living, reflecting a broader movement among lawmakers to ensure fair wages. Supporters argue that raising the minimum wage would benefit the economy by putting more money into the hands of consumers.