By Gov. Peter Shumlin and Gov. Dan Malloy, CNN
Democratic governors are working every day to grow and strengthen a middle class that’s been under assault from global economic forces and failed, trickle-down policies for decades.
Gov. Peter Shumlin, left, and Gov. Dan Malloy. Photo from CNN
In furtherance of that mission, we will be proud to stand with President Barack Obama, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee at Central Connecticut State University this afternoon to announce actions we’re taking to raise the minimum wage in our states to $10.10 an hour by 2017.
House Republicans continue to block progress on this critical issue for middle class families. But that doesn’t mean this common-sense idea, like so many others before it, needs to die a Washington-inflicted death. With a paralyzed Congress, Democratic governors will act.
We’ll do so with the benefit of having the American people on our side. Democrats, Republicans and independents alike overwhelmingly support raising the minimum wage. A recent Wall Street Journal/NBC poll shows 63% of Americans support it. Here’s why:
One, it makes good economic sense. The federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 an hour. Adjusted for inflation, that’s lower than it was in 1968. Raising the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour nationally will provide 28 million Americans with more money to spend and to invest, increasing economic activity and growth. In fact, recent studies conclude that raising the minimum wage makes workers more productive and therefore helps businesses retain profitability — a conclusion affirmed by Gap Inc.’s recent decision to raise the minimum wage for its employees to $10.10 an hour.
Two, it’s good for women. Women account for roughly two-thirds of workers whose incomes would rise by increasing the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour. These women currently work 40 hours a week to make just $14,500 a year. These women are our daughters, sisters and mothers who are often the only breadwinners in their families. Our country is in a stronger position when women are in a stronger economic position. We need to make that a reality.
Three, it’s the right thing to do. No American working 40 hours or more a week deserves to live in poverty.
Read the full article by Gov. Peter Shumlin and Gov. Dan Malloy from CNN.
