Newsletter: An Economy that Works for Everyone

Statement

Dear Friend,

Colorado's economy is seeing more encouraging signs with the unemployment rate dropping to 5.5% in the month of June, the lowest mark since October 2008. Our continued economic progress and job growth are welcome news for Colorado workers, job seekers, and business owners. The Great Recession dealt a painful blow, and we are now in a position to turn a slow but steady recovery into strong and consistent growth. Colorado is full of hardworking and talented people, and we are poised to reach new economic heights.

As we continue to build on this progress, we must ensure the economy works for everyone and hardworking Americans earn enough to stay ahead. We can start by raising the federal minimum wage, which has remained unchanged for five years. The Fair Minimum Wage Act would raise the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour and raise the pay of at least 25 million workers. Today, Americans who earn the minimum wage can work a full-time job and still be forced to live in poverty. This additional income would lift more than 1 million Americans out of poverty and help feed, clothe, and shelter some 14 million children.

By generating $22 billion in new economic activity and creating 85,000 jobs nationwide the benefits of this legislation go far beyond just helping those who earn the minimum wage. It's time to give hardworking Americans a raise and build an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy.

As always, I encourage you to follow me on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date on the latest news from Washington and in Colorado. Also, you can visit my website at http://degette.house.gov, where you can read my positions on issues and learn about the different ways my staff can assist you. While you're there, be sure to visit the "Contact" page and send me an email about what matters most to you and your family. Finally, be sure to share this email with your friends, family, and neighbors so that they too can be a part of this important dialogue.

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