FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2021

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IF THE SENATE CAN’T RAISE THE MINIMUM WAGE WITH 51 VOTES, IT’S TIME TO CHANGE THE RULES

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Senate Parliamentarian wrongly ruled that Congress cannot raise the minimum wage through budget reconciliation. The decision, based on an incorrect interpretation of the Senate’s rules, adds an additional hurdle in the ongoing fight against economic inequality in the United States. Fortunately, the Parliamentarian does not have the final say on the matter: the elected members of the Senate — and the Democratic majority — can decide for itself. They represent 41 million more people than Senate Republicans, and now they hold the keys to our recovery.

Tax March Executive Director Maura Quint gave the following statement:

“If Congress can cut taxes for the ultra-rich via simple majority, they should be able to raise wages that same way.

Working people have needed a raise for well over a decade. Increasing the minimum wage to $15 by 2025 would give 32 million workers a raise and lift nearly a million people out of poverty. The minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 since 2009. Americans cannot accept any more delays. We need a $15 minimum wage now, and can’t let partisan gridlock get in the way of helping people live dignified lives.”

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