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Rep. Tammy Duckworth talks with constituents at a recent Congress at Your Corner.

Dear Neighbors,

I’m writing today to talk about raising the minimum wage in all states to $10.10 per hour.

Raising the minimum wage to $10.10 will increase the pay of at least 25 million hard working men and women across the country, generating at least $22 billion in increased economic activity and 85,000 additional jobs.

Illinois already has a minimum wage higher than the federal rate. Increasing the minimum wage nationally would close the gap between Illinois and states with low minimum wage rates so that Illinois businesses can better compete throughout our region and create jobs.

Someone working full time, year round at minimum wage today earns just $14,500, nearly $4,000 below the poverty line for a mother with two children. That’s not enough to provide for a family or have a real shot at the American Dream. We must do better.

Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle agree this must be done. When we are back in session next week, Congress needs to bring this measure for an up –or-down vote immediately.

The bottom line is that our workers deserve better. No one who works a full time job should have to live in poverty.

Sincerely,

Tammy Duckworth
Member of Congress