The following is a press release from an organization unaffiliated with Voice of OC. The views expressed here are not those of Voice of OC.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2016
Contact: Juana Esquivel, juanae@mifamiliavota.org, (323) 317-6311
Mi Familia Vota Cheers the CA State Legislature’s Decision on Cesar Chavez Day to Raise State Minimum Wage to $15 Per Hour by 2022
Los Angeles, CA — The California bill to raise the state’s minimum wage and help low-income workers is now on its way to Gov. Jerry Brown, following approval by the state Legislature.
The following is a statement by Mi Familia Vota Executive Director Ben Monterroso:
“This is a historic victory for the working men and women of California, and it could not have come on a better day than on the day that we celebrate the legacy of César Chávez, who founded the United Farmworkers and spent his life improving working conditions and wages for Latinos.
“This victory is due to the political power that we have been building in the state by electing leaders who pay attention to the issues that matter to us.
“It is fitting that the minimum wage increase bill was passed by the Legislature on the day that we honor United Farmworkers founder Cesar Chavez, who spent his life improving the working conditions and wages for low-wage workers, particularly those in the Latino community.
“Low-income workers are not just farmworkers. They are college students struggling to pay tuition; parents of young kids being forced to work double shifts to make ends meet; retirees trying to supplement their Social Security checks with part-time work. Raising the minimum wage helps our workers reach a livable wage and, in the process, spend more to improve our economy.
“MFV supports workers, and there is no greater cause than an increase in wages so that people can earn a livable wage.
“Right now, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. It has not been raised since 2009. That amounts to just over $15,000 a year. No one can support a family on that wage. No one.
“We cheer California leaders for setting the right example by taking care of wage earners and their families — workers who support our economy — by raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour. It’s the right thing to do.”
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