Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is once again planning to introduce a bill that would more than double the federal minimum wage, calling the current minimum a “starvation wage.”
The democratic socialist senator and possible 2020 Democratic presidential candidate has long championed a $15 minimum wage and will introduce the bill as the 116th Congress convenes amid the longest government shutdown in American history. (RELATED: Bernie Sanders In Talks With Ocasio-Cortez’s Media Team In Potential 2020 Step)
The federal minimum wage of $7.25 is a starvation wage. That is why I, along with many other members of Congress, will introduce legislation this week to raise that wage to $15 an hour. If you work 40 hours a week, you should not live in poverty.
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) January 14, 2019
“The Federal minimum wage of $7.25 is a starvation wage,” Sanders said. “If you work 40 hours a week, you should not live in poverty.”
Sanders also promised that his bill will have numerous co-sponsors. Sanders introduced the “Raise The Wage Act” in May 2017, which picked up the support of 31 Senate Democrats.
Sanders’ announcement comes on the same day as reports have emerged that he is staffing up for a likely 2020 presidential run.