Texas House Bill HCR6

Texas 2021 - 87th 1st C.S.

Caption

Urging Congress to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour.

Impact

The passage of HCR6 could have significant implications for federal wage policy. Proponents believe that increasing the minimum wage would not only lift many individuals out of poverty but also stimulate economic growth by increasing consumer spending power. The resolution cites data and opinions from various economists and polls, suggesting a broad consensus among the public and experts that raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour is beneficial for the economy and its workforce.

Summary

HCR6 is a concurrent resolution urging Congress to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour. This resolution highlights that the current federal minimum wage, established at $7.25 per hour, has remained unchanged since 2007. The resolution references historical context, including the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007, which gradually raised the federal minimum wage from $5.15 to its current rate. Supporters of the resolution argue that a wage increase is necessary to match the rising cost of living and advocate for a living wage standard across the United States.

Contention

Opponents of raising the minimum wage often argue that it could lead to adverse effects on employment levels, particularly for low-skilled jobs. They express concerns that employers may reduce hiring or cut hours in response to increased wage bills. However, the resolution counters this by citing evidence from previous wage increases, which showed little to no negative impact on employment rates. This ongoing debate represents a key point of contention as HCR6 seeks to influence national wage policy while balancing the interests of workers and employers.