1. United States
2. Tenn.
3. Letter

The federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour has remained stagnant for over a decade, failing to keep up with rises in productivity and inflation. As productivity has increased substantially since the late 1960s, the minimum wage today would be around $21.45 if it had grown at the same rate. Similarly, the minimum wage peaked in purchasing power in 1968 at over $12 adjusted for inflation, but has fallen considerably since then due to the cost of living increases. These statistics from government data demonstrate that the current minimum wage leaves many full-time workers in poverty, unable to afford basic living expenses. Raising the minimum wage would lift millions out of poverty and allow them to better support themselves and their families. It would also boost economic growth as workers have more money to spend. An increase in the federal minimum wage to a living wage, such as the proposed $15 per hour by 2025, is long overdue and crucial for ensuring workers can make ends meet. The productivity and prosperity gains in recent decades should be more broadly shared with the labor force through higher wages. I urge you to support fair legislation to raise the minimum wage to a livable level across the nation.