Washington (April 30, 2014) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today took to the Senate floor in support of legislation to raise the minimum wage for America’s workers. Economists report raising the national minimum wage would boost the economy by creating approximately 85,000 new jobs and increasing economic activity by $22 billion. Raising the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour would result in 28 million American workers receiving approximately $35 billion in additional wages.

“No person in America should work full-time, or multiple jobs, and not be able to make ends meet.  Millions of people in our country have been trying to climb into the middle class, but no matter how hard they work, they are stuck in the same place.

 

“Raising the minimum wage is about giving families security, opportunity and dignity. The security to know they can make ends meet. The opportunity to climb out of poverty into the middle class. The dignity to know they are getting paid a fair wage for a hard day’s work.

 

“I am so proud to join this effort, and I ask my colleagues to support this legislation to increase the minimum wage.