Pete Souza
President Obama signed an executive order Wednesday raising the federal minimum wage to $10.10 per hour for federal contract workers.
“Nobody who works full time should have to live in poverty,” Obama said during his signing speech. “While Congress decides what it’s going to do . . . today I’m going to do what I can to help raise working Americans’ wages.”
>>> Check Out Our Infographic: Should We Raise the Minimum Wage?
The wage increase, which includes disabled workers as well as those who are paid in tips, will go into effect in 2015. It is estimated that a few hundred thousand workers will be affected by the increase, though the exact number remains unknown.
“I’m eager to work with Congress whenever I can find opportunities to expand opportunity for more families,” Obama said, encouraging Congress to pass minimum wage legislation. “But wherever I can act on my own without Congress, by using my pen to take executive actions . . . that’s what I’m going to do.”
This story was produced by The Foundry’s news team. Nothing here should be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of The Heritage Foundation.
