The minimum wage has long been a cornerstone of economic justice, ensuring that those in the workforce earn enough to cover basic living expenses. However, as inflation rises, the purchasing power of minimum wage earners rapidly declines, leaving many struggling to make ends meet.

In recent years, inflation has outpaced the adjustments made to the federal minimum wage. As of 2026, the federal minimum wage remains stagnant at $7.25 per hour, a rate that has not been adjusted since 2009. During this period, the cumulative rate of inflation has increased by over 25%, significantly eroding the value of this wage. Consequently, minimum wage workers are now receiving less value for their hard-earned dollars.

Addressing this issue is not just a matter of economic necessity but of moral obligation. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a single adult without children needs at least $15.00 per hour to afford basic necessities in most parts of the United States. This discrepancy between the current minimum wage and the cost of living is unsustainable and disproportionately affects marginalized communities, including people of color, women, and young workers, who are more likely to earn at minimum wage levels. 

Most of these people work hard and yet still struggle to pay for basic necessities like food and shelter. Many people who earn the minimum wage are forced to work long hours at multiple jobs only to still struggle to cover rising costs. Several of these people have children who miss out on important time with their parents to learn important life skills.

The low minimum wage also leads to a corrupt feedback loop. Kids born to parents earning the minimum wage often cannot attend college as there is no extra money to do so. Without a college degree these kids have a hard time finding high paying jobs. As a result they can't afford to send their kids to college thus repeating the cycle.

To resolve this, we call for an immediate adjustment to the federal minimum wage to align with current inflation rates, and for it to be indexed to inflation to ensure it automatically adjusts each year. This change would not only support the financial stability of millions of American families but also strengthen the overall economy by increasing consumer spending —a known driver of economic growth.

Your support is crucial in sending a clear message to policymakers that they must prioritize fair wages and economic equality. By signing this petition, you advocate for a living wage that reflects the true cost of living, providing dignity and respect to all workers. Sign today to demand a just and equitable adjustment to the federal minimum wage.