New federal bill calls for $25 minimum wage nationwide thats still not enough to get by in some states

Living wages could see a major boost.Since 2009, the federal minimum wage has been set at $7.25 an hour.However, Democrats in Congress have a new proposal that would see it jump to $25.

But some lawmakers say it’s still not enough.The Living Wage for All Act was introduced back in April and would raise the federal minimum wage to $25 per hour with a “two-track phase-in.” This would be made possible by forcing large, highly profitable corporations to lead the transition. These major employers would need to reach $25 by 2031, while smaller employers would phase in more gradually, reaching $25 by 2038.The bill’s supporters claim the boost is needed in order to keep pace with the rising cost of housing, health care, groceries and others.“Growing up, I saw my immigrant parents and my neighbors working multiple minimum wage jobs just to survive.

Today, companies are reporting record-high earnings while working people struggle to survive.Minimum wage is not a living wage.

That’s not right.If we want to address the affordability crisis, we must also address the wage crisis,” said Congresswoman Delia C.

Ramirez in a press release.According to a report, Senator Chris Murphy was set to introduce another bill to accompany the original legislation.States across the country have proposed and passed similar legislation without the need of the federal government.In fact, 37 states are already above the federal minimum wage with 22 enacting the increases recently.California’s standard rate is $16.90, with even higher wages for specific industries like fast food.

Meanwhile, Alaska raised theirs to $13.00 per hour with laws on the books to reach $15.00 in 2027.Despite states taking action, a Nexstar analysis reveals that if the federal bill passes, $25 an hour is enough for a single working adult to live “self-sufficiently” in all but 14 states — but that’s without children, by MIT’s calculations.The calculator shows a living wage, in hourly rates, that...