“Income inequality and stagnant wages for American workers remain two of our nation’s most pressing moral and economic issues. Even as our economy continues to recover from the 2008 recession, people—particularly women and people of color—are working longer hours for lower wages, in a job market with fewer and fewer opportunities. As Americans, we must decide what kind of country we want to be: one focused on giving tax breaks to the wealthy, or one committed to ensuring opportunity for everyone by helping the most vulnerable among us, a core Jewish value.

“The Raise the Wage Act would take crucial steps toward economic justice for the working people of our nation, including raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2024. This legislation is essential to ensure that all Americans are treated with dignity and respect in their work and can provide for their families. The introduction of this bill is a testament to the tireless efforts of grassroots and workers’ movements across the country that are shifting the national conversation in support of fair and just wages.

“Congress has a moral obligation to pass the Raise the Wage Act, and we call on them to do so as soon as possible. If President Trump is at all serious about his campaign pledges to protect and prioritize working families, he should immediately announce his support for this legislation and do everything in his power to ensure its passage.”

For more information about Bend the Arc Jewish Action’s work, contact Elliot Levy at [email protected] or 202-800-7409.

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