This summer, people from across the country are rising up to send a message: The 99% need a raise.
You and I are among the millions who have called on Congress to create good jobs, marched with thousands who came to Washington, DC last winter, and joined with shareholders this spring to demand that tax-dodging corporations pay their fair share.
And now we're taking our next step. Together with organizations like the National Employment Law Project, CREDO, and Moms Rising, the 99% are uniting to tell Congress it's time to raise the federal minimum wage.
Join with us for our Rise Up Summer, and together we can put more money in the hands of the 99%:
http://action.99uniting.org/page/s/99needaraise
Putting more money into the pockets of ordinary Americans would give a much-needed boost to our economy. Small businesses would grow and hire, and we'd put the 99% back to work.
- The minimum wage can't support our families: The current federal minimum wage—at $7.25 an hour—amounts to only $15,080 a year. That's almost $9,000 below the federal poverty line for a family of four.
- We get $7.25. They get 725%: The federal minimum wage hasn't kept up with inflation, but CEO pay has risen 725% over the last 30 years.
- We’ve got some catching up to do: If the federal minimum wage had kept up with inflation over the past 40 years, it would currently be at $10.55.
People who work for a living should be able to live off of their wages. Real legislation is being discussed right now, and it's up to us to show that there is a wealth of support for raising the minimum wage and increasing the spending power for working Americans.
Sign this petition at 99 Uniting. Together, we'll deliver them to our country's elected officials on July 24th:
http://action.99uniting.org/page/s/99needaraise
This summer, we can work to close the growing gap between the rich and the rest of us. I hope you'll join us.
In solidarity,
Mary Kay Henry
President, SEIU
PS - You can also stand with the thousands of us that are following 99U on Facebook. Join me and become a fan here: http://www.facebook.com/the99uniting
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