(WASHINGTON) – The following is the official statement of Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa in response to the introduction today of the “Raise the Wage Act” by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), which would increase the federal minimum wage to $12 an hour by 2020.

“This legislation will offer a hand up to millions of U.S. families who are struggling to make ends meet. Too many hardworking Americans are trying to earn a living but are impeded by this nation’s low wage floor of $7.25 an hour.

“The minimum wage has not kept up with inflation and is a detriment to the nation. Not only does it affect low-wage workers themselves, it hinders the economy because too many people don’t have money to spend on goods and services being sold. That means we all have a stake in this issue.

“While joining a union like the Teamsters would be the best solution for workers, that’s not always possible. So Congress needs to do what’s right for both workers and our nation’s economic health – raise the minimum wage to $12 an hour.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

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