VIDEO: Padilla: The Minimum Wage is Not a Living Wage
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) questioned a panel of low-wage workers and economic experts during a Senate Budget Committee hearing to address poverty wages.
To watch the full video of Padilla’s questioning, click here.
During the hearing, Senator Padilla spoke about the need raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour to help prevent American workers from being pushed into poverty. Padilla pointed out the struggle for a living wage is not new, but has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Padilla noted how this initiative would also boost our economy asking the panel, “Folks have talked about what a difference a $15 minimum wage would mean to them … What would you do with that wage increase? Would you invest in stocks or would you spend it?” Padilla went on to explain how small businesses, our economy, and our communities would be helped with a minimum wage increase.
The panel confirmed Padilla’s argument that low-wage workers aren’t going to buy stock – they are going to put their hard-earned money into our economy.
The panel included McDonald’s worker Mr. Terrence Wise, Walmart worker Ms. Cynthia Murray, President of the Economic Policy Institute Ms. Thea Lee, President American Action Forum Dr. Douglas Holtz-Eakin, President of Table 301 Restaurant Group Mr. Carl Sobocinski, Professor of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington Dr. Jacob L. Vigdor, Ph.D., and the Government Accountability Office’s Director of Education, Workforce, and Income Security Ms. Cindy Brown Barnes.
For additional information on the hearing, click here.
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