The federal minimum wage — stuck at $7.25 since 2009 — is finally getting serious legislative attention. But the debate has shifted from whether to raise it to how much.
Current Proposals
Raise the Wage Act ($17/hr by 2028): Backed by Senate progressives. Gradual increase to $17 with annual inflation adjustments thereafter. Eliminates the tipped minimum wage.
Bipartisan Wage Act ($15/hr by 2027): Moderate compromise. Reaches $15 with a slower timeline. Maintains a lower tipped wage. Includes small business exemption for companies under 20 employees.
The Economics
- 30 states plus DC already have minimum wages above $7.25
- 20 states are at $15 or higher — no evidence of mass job losses
- CBO estimates $17 would raise wages for 17 million workers but could reduce employment by 1.4 million
- $15 would raise wages for 10 million with smaller employment effects
Where It Stands
The $15 compromise has 58 Senate votes — 2 short of the 60 needed to overcome a filibuster. Intense lobbying from both business groups (opposing) and labor unions (supporting $17) continues.
