Scott Calls for Increase in Federal Minimum Wage

NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Today, Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, a senior member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, reaffirmed his support for raising the federal minimum wage and called on the leadership of the House of Representatives to vote on the issue when Congress returns to Washington next week. Congressman Scott is a cosponsor of H.R. 1010, the Fair Minimum Wage Act, which will raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour, increase the tipped minimum wage, and tie future annual increases to the rate of inflation.

"For years, the federal minimum wage has remained stagnant and its value has eroded, failing to keep up with the cost of living and forcing more and more working families to rely on government programs to make ends meet," said Congressman Scott. "A pay raise is long overdue for minimum wage workers. Those who work hard, hold a steady job, and play by the rules should not be forced to live in poverty. Full-time workers should not need to rely on government programs, a situation which costs the federal government money and detracts from the economic stability of hard-working families. It is critical that House Republicans allow a vote on the Fair Minimum Wage Act when Congress returns to Washington next week. Increasing the minimum wage will strengthen our economy, enhance the economic security of our families, and put more money in the pockets of those who need it most."

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