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What’s Really Behind the Opposition to a $15 Minimum Wage

Updated On: Apr 05, 2021

Apr. 5, 2021 | OPINION | On March 5, the Senate had another opportunity to lift millions out of poverty, this time by raising the minimum wage to $15. But 50 Republicans, seven Democrats, and an Independent voted against the bill sponsored by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT). In doing so, they denied a raise to the 32 million workers — about 21% of the workforce — including 31% of Black workers, 26% percent of Hispanic workers, and 20% of white workers. That number includes the 1.1 million Americans who earn $7.25 or less, and the approximately 20.6 million who earn a “near-minimum” wage of up to $10.10, according to the Pew Research Center. Like $7.25 an hour, $10.10 is not a “living wage”… In These Times