The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the view of The Hill

America Needs a Higher Minimum Wage

This Sunday, August 20th, will mark the 10-year anniversary of the last time that the Congress increased the minimum wage, an unconscionable fact that currently leaves millions of workers struggling simply to put food on their table.  Unfortunately, instead of addressing this issue, the Republican leadership is playing political games, as evident by their recent move to tie a vote on the minimum wage to yet another tax cut for the wealthiest 7,500 families in America.  This is absurd.

Over 6 million workers in America would directly benefit from a two-step raise in the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 per hour.  It’s time that the Republican leadership stopped playing games with these workers and allowed for an up or down vote when the Congress returns from recess.