Original Living Wage Act

Bill 118 hr 122, also known as the Original Living Wage Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to establish a federal minimum wage that is considered a living wage, meaning it would provide workers with enough income to meet their basic needs, such as food, housing, and healthcare.

The bill proposes to increase the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, which is significantly higher than the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. This increase would be phased in over a period of time, with the goal of reaching $15 per hour within a certain timeframe.

Supporters of the Original Living Wage Act argue that raising the minimum wage to a living wage would help reduce poverty, improve the standard of living for low-income workers, and stimulate the economy by putting more money in the hands of consumers. They also argue that it is a matter of fairness and social justice to ensure that all workers are paid a wage that allows them to support themselves and their families. Opponents of the bill, on the other hand, raise concerns about the potential impact on businesses, particularly small businesses, who may struggle to afford the higher wages. They also argue that raising the minimum wage could lead to job losses as employers may be forced to cut back on hiring or reduce hours for existing employees in order to offset the increased labor costs. Overall, the Original Living Wage Act is a controversial piece of legislation that has sparked debate among lawmakers, economists, and the public. It remains to be seen whether this bill will gain enough support to pass in Congress and become law.