Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) voted in favor of H.R. 582, the Raise the Wage Act of 2019, which would gradually raise the federal minimum wage to $15 by 2025, giving up to 33 million Americans a raise and lifting more than 1.3 million workers out of poverty. It has now been more than 10 years since lawmakers have raised the minimum wage, the longest period in U.S. history without an increase. The legislation passed the House and now awaits a vote in the Senate.

“Too many Granite Staters and Americans across our country are struggling to make ends meet despite working 40 hours or more – and for some, multiple jobs – just to get by,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “Our nation’s stagnant minimum wage undermines the economic prosperity of hardworking men and women, and it holds back those who may want to pursue higher education, apprenticeships, or vocational training programs. I am pleased that the House has voted to pass this commonsense legislation to invest in the future of our workers and help give Americans the dignity that comes with financial independence. I urge the Senate to follow suit.”  

Congresswoman Kuster has been a vocal advocate for raising the federal minimum wage and expanding economic opportunities for all Americans. In May 2018, she released her Jobs and Opportunity Agenda, which outlines a comprehensive approach to expanding economic opportunity by bolstering apprenticeship and vocational training programs, addressing the out of control costs of higher education, investing in infrastructure and broadband expansion, increasing affordable housing, and supporting working families with paid family leave and childcare programs.

The Raise the Wage Act of 2019 would:

• Gradually raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 by 2025;

• Index future increases in the federal minimum wage to median wage growth to ensure the value of minimum wage does not once again erode over time;

• Guarantee tipped workers are paid at least the full federal minimum wage by phasing out the subminimum wage for tipped workers, which will ensure consistent, livable pay without eliminating tips;

• Guarantee teen workers are paid at least the full federal minimum wage by phasing out the rarely used subminimum wage for youth workers; and

• End subminimum wage certificates for workers with disabilities to provide opportunities for workers with disabilities to be competitively employed and participate more fully in their communities.

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