DeLauro Statement on the 4th Anniversary of Last Minimum Wage Increase

Calls On Congress to Pass Bill Increasing the MinimumWage to $10.10/Hour

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) releasedthe following statement today marking the fourth anniversary of the last timethe national minimum wage was increased. Last week DeLauro and DemocraticLeader Nancy Pelosi released "When Women Succeed,America Succeeds: An Economic Agenda for Women and Families." The agendaincludes an increased minimum wage, including the tipped minimum wage, as oneof its principles.

"We need to alleviate the severe financial pressuresAmericans face, particularly women, who make up two-thirds of minimum wageworkers. For four years, the federal minimum wage has remained stagnant,failing to keep up with the cost of living. In fact, the real value oftoday's minimum wage buys less than it did in 1956. With income inequality onthe rise, it is long past time to give minimum wage workers a pay raise. Congressmust increase the minimum wage so people can raise their incomes, supporttheir families and have a chance for a better life."