1. United States
2. Tenn.
3. Letter

I urge you to support the Higher Wages for American Workers Act proposed by Senators Hawley and Welch. This bipartisan legislation would raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour starting in 2026, providing much-needed relief for millions of hardworking Americans struggling to make ends meet. For too long, wages have remained stagnant while the cost of living has soared, making it increasingly difficult for minimum wage workers to afford basic necessities like housing, food, and healthcare. By increasing the minimum wage to a living wage, this bill would lift many families out of poverty and stimulate economic growth as workers have more disposable income to spend in their communities. Furthermore, annual adjustments would ensure that the minimum wage keeps pace with inflation going forward. While critics may cite potential job losses, numerous studies have shown that modest minimum wage increases have little to no negative effect on employment levels. Now is the time to prioritize the wellbeing of our workforce and take this crucial step towards economic justice. I urge you to stand with working families and support this commonsense, humane legislation.