WASHINGTON, DC – United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey today praised President Barack Obama’s announcement that he will issue an executive order to raise the hourly minimum wage for federal contract workers to $10.10. The Senators also urged Congress to pass legislation to raise the minimum wage for hourly and tipped workers. Senators Warren and Markey are co-sponsors of the Minimum Wage Fairness Act (S.1737) introduced by Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA).

“Hardworking men and women in full time jobs shouldn’t be forced to live in poverty,” said Senator Warren. “Increasing the minimum wage for federal contract workers is an important first step toward leveling the playing field for all workers. Now it’s time for Congress to take action, so that everyone who works hard and plays by the rules can earn enough to make ends meet. Raising the minimum wage is good for families and good for our economy.”

“There has been a war against wages in this country, and this minimum wage increase for federal contract workers is the first step in the battle to help America’s working men and women make ends meet,” said Senator Markey. “We need to increase the minimum wage for all workers and build a stronger middle class in Massachusetts and across America.” 

Senators Warren and Markey and 13 of their Senate colleagues signed a letter in September calling on the President to raise the minimum wage for federal contract workers. President Obama’s proposal would raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 for all new federal contracts for services. A fact sheet with more information about the President’s proposal is available here.