Washington - The federal minimum wage rose for the first time in 10 years today, from $5.15 an hour to $5.85 an hour as part of a three-step increase that will ultimately bring the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour. The minimum wage increase is a key component of the new Democratic majority's agenda.
U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), an original co-sponsor of minimum wage increase legislation, today released the following statement:
"Americans are finally getting a raise today after years of being turned down by Congress. This is the least we can do to make sure Americans who are willing to put in a hard day's work can sustain themselves and their families. For a decade, many of those who are working their hardest have been kept at the bottom of the ladder. Today, they are getting the chance that everyone in this country deserves - the opportunity to build a better life.
"New Jersey has been ahead of the curve with a higher minimum wage that is vital for our state's workers. Now, this three-step nationwide increase will benefit workers across the country and will benefit America's economy, and I am proud to have been an original supporter of this cause."
The state of New Jersey had previously increased its minimum wage to $7.15 an hour.
The federal minimum wage increase to $7.25 an hour will benefit an estimated 13 million Americans, more than 60% of which are women and more than 40% are which are people of color. Almost 80% of those who will benefit are adult workers.
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