SB 120-06: Raise the Wage Act - Passed

[Pyro]

Working-class Atlasians are overdue for a raise. This proposal will raise the federal minimum age over the course of three years to $19.50. This shall be a gradual shift in wages to ensure low-income workers can make ends meet as they face high prices and the decreasing value of the dollar.

How did we get to $15 even? Last time I was relevant at the federal level we had it at like $12.50. I think I wanted every Labor administration to raise it as a $1 back in the day until we got to $15.

President Sestak signed the Rewarding Hard Work Act in 2021 that increased the wage.

[Pyro]

Proposing a minor amendment to adjust the effective date to January 2025. This will allow ample time for businesses to prepare for the increase, and will significantly reduce the inflationary impact of a wage increase.

Raise the Wage Act

SENATE BILL

To gradually increase the federal minimum wage

Be it enacted,

Section I: The Minimum Wage

1. 29 U.S.C shall be amended as follows:

(1) except as otherwise provided in this section, not less than $15.00 $19.50 an hour;

2. F.L. 29-18 Rewarding Hard Work Act shall be amended as follows:

a) Starting from January 1, 2022 2024 2025, the federal minimum wage shall increase by $2 $1.50 at the start of each year until it reaches $15 $19.50.

Section II: Implementation

1. This act takes effect immediately.

[Pyro]

I certainly would not be opposed to an amendment that adjusts the minimum wage to reflect the present rate of inflation. I'd likewise be amenable to modifying this according to the average living expense per region/state/etc, as long as we ensure all Atlasians may be guaranteed a living wage. As YE stated, we are establishing a renewed base level of pay for workers across the country. Regional governments may indeed raise the amount further if they so choose, but we mustn't neglect the importance of raising wages for all when conditions necessitate action.

My fellow senators are welcome to submit the alterations discussed as they so choose.

[Pyro]

Motion for a final vote.

[Pyro]

Aye