The federal minimum wage in the United States has been stuck at $7.25 since 2009—that’s over a decade without an increase. Meanwhile, the cost of rent, food, gas, and healthcare has skyrocketed. No one working full-time should be living in poverty.

Over the past thirteen years, prices have risen sharply. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the consumer price index, which measures the average change in prices paid by consumers for goods and services, has increased by over 27% since 2009. While the cost of living continues to rise, stagnant wages make it increasingly difficult for individuals and families to make ends meet. This disparity is pushing countless workers into poverty.

Research from the Economic Policy Institute highlights that raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025 would lift pay for nearly 32 million Americans, benefiting 21% of all U.S. workers. Implementing such a change would not only reduce income inequality but also stimulate the economy by increasing consumer spending, as workers would have more disposable income.

Numerous states and localities have already taken the initiative to raise their minimum wages, demonstrating the successful outcomes of such policies. Seattle, for example, raised its minimum wage to $15, and studies from the University of California, Berkeley found significant benefits including increased earnings for low-wage workers and no negative impact on employment.

Increasing the minimum wage at both the federal and state levels is not just a moral imperative but an economic necessity. It is time for Congress and state legislatures to enact policies that reflect the realities of today's economy and provide fair compensation for hard work.

Join me in urging our leaders to prioritize this critical issue and ensure a living wage for everyone. Sign this petition to advocate for a minimum wage that supports the dignity and financial stability of all workers.