In a historic move, progressive lawmakers are pushing to pass a federal minimum wage of $15 before the end of 2020. This move was initially planned to be tied to the annual defense spending bill, but after it became clear that Sen. Joe Manchin’s (D-WV) language allowing energy companies to steamroll community opposition would not make it into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), conversations have shifted.
Reps. Ro Khanna and Jamaal Bowman have been leading the charge in trying to find alternative vehicles for passing this legislation, such as an omnibus government funding bill. Discussions between House Progressives and Senate members are currently ongoing in order for them to achieve their goal of getting it done before 2021 is sworn in. Rep Raúl Grijalva has urged Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and incoming Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to cooperate and work with progressives in achieving this momentous milestone.
This move would represent a significant step forward in terms of economic justice, as it would help ensure that all Americans receive a livable wage regardless of their occupation or location. It would also provide further security and stability for millions of families who are struggling financially due to the current pandemic economy, by providing them with more buying power when making essential purchases like groceries or medicine. Furthermore, it could potentially reduce poverty levels across the country by providing citizens access to higher earning potentials that many had previously been unable to reach due to inadequate wages prior to this legislative move.
The impact of raising the minimum wage has also been shown time and again through countless studies that demonstrate its positive effects on businesses both small and large; including increases in sales revenues, job growth, consumer spending, employee productivity, and overall profitability across multiple sectors of society – from health care providers and restaurant owners to entrepreneurs launching new goods or services.
If successful, this effort from progressives could prove revolutionary; most notably marking the first time since 2009 that Congress has passed a raise on the federal minimum wage nationwide – which is currently at $7.25 per hour – as well as being one of the most ambitious pushes yet towards economic justice since President Franklin Roosevelt first introduced Social Security during The Great Depression era back in 1935.
Only time will tell if this monumental effort turns out successful or not; however, one thing is certain – what these progressive lawmakers are attempting is sure to go down in history no matter what happens next year
