U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) introduced a bill that would index the federal minimum wage to a regional cost-of-living standard.
In addition, the Fair Wage Act would adjust cash wages of tipped employees and the wages for newly hired employees under the age of 18, like high school students employed for a summer job.
“Our nation’s workers deserve a fair wage that accounts for varying, regional cost-of-living rates,” Fitzpatrick said. “While others pursue partisan and unrealistic measures to address the broken minimum wage standard, I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Fair Wage Act with Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez. Our legislation recognizes that the federal minimum wage in my home of Levittown has a disparate impact than it does in Los Angeles or Little Rock. We must ensure that when it comes to the minimum wage, Americans can rely on being compensated appropriately based on where they work, live, raise their families, and pay taxes.”
Gluesenkamp Perez added that wages are not keeping pace with inflation in some communities.
“My husband and I own an auto repair and machine shop, and we know without living wages people exit the trades early in their career. It’s essential that jobs in the trades remain a pathway to the middle class,” Gluesenkamp Perez said. “I’m grateful for Congressman Fitzpatrick’s partnership on this bipartisan solution to make sure the minimum wage reflects economic realities on the ground across Southwest Washington. By taking a dynamic and regional approach that accounts for the cost of living, the Fair Wage Act will help ensure the minimum wage is tailored to families’ needs.”