Rep. Chu Pushes for Raise in Minimum Wage

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA) signed a discharge petition to require an immediate vote on the Fair Minimum Wage Act (H.R. 1010), which would lift the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour. Rep. Chu, who also co-sponsored the legislation, released the following statement:

“As we continue to grow out of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, raising the minimum wage will mean a pay raise for 15 million Americans and a boost to our economy as well. And with women making up nearly two-thirds of minimum wage workers, this is more than an economic issue – it’s a women’s issue. I urge my Republican colleagues to join us in giving America a raise and helping our economy get moving again.”

The minimum wage has not been raised in the United States since 2007. While H.R. 1010 would raise the wage to $10.10, it is still less than the $10.74 the minimum wage would be were it adjusted for inflation since its high of $10.56 in 1968.

A discharge petition needs the support of 218 members to force a vote. So far 155 members have signed this petition.