According to Labor Department statistics, in the three after the minimum wage increases of 1996 and 1997, more than 5.6 million jobs were created. Teen unemployment fell, as did unemployment for African Americans. We can afford an increase in the minimum wage - and now is the time to do it. An extraordinary sustained economic expansion is ongoing, spurred on by business opportunity with remarkable efficiencies and job creation. The stock market is soaring.
Inflation is low, unemployment is low, and interest rates are low.
The people who park our cars and serve our food and clean our hotel rooms deserve a decent living wage. These families need help, and they deserve an increase in the minimum wage.