A bill introduced in the American Congresso seeks to raise the federal minimum wage to $25 per hour, more than tripling the current floor of $7.25 established since 2009. The proposal, titled “Salário Digno to Todos Bill,” was introduced by Democratic Representatives Delia Ramirez and Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, both of Illinois, together with deputies Analilia Mejia, from Nova Jersey, and Lateefah Simon, from Califórnia.
Implementation would follow a gradual schedule to minimize economic impacts. Grandes employers would have until 2031 to reach the new floor, while small businesses would have an extended deadline until 2038. Defensores argue that the increase follows the rise in costs for housing, health and essential items experienced by American workers.
Tramitação and state precedents
Ramirez cited Illinois’s experience as the basis for the federal proposal. The state approved phased implementation that reached $15 an hour in full this year. Atualmente, 19 states have a minimum wage equal to or greater than US$15 per hour, reflecting a growing trend of raising the minimum wage in different regions.
Congresso already analyzes several competing projects on the topic:
- Propostas raise to $15 or $17 per hour
- Salários minimums adjusted according to regional cost of living
- Elevação gradual to $20 per hour
- Alternative Projeto targeting $26.59 per hour by 2030
Dezoito states maintain the federal minimum wage at US$7.25, while two states set a minimum wage of US$5.15, although employers covered by Lei of Normas Justas of Trabalho must respect the federal minimum wage.
Críticas of businesspeople and legislators
Federação Nacional of Empresas Independentes (NFIB) expresses concern about impacts on small businesses. Noah Finley, state director of the group at Illinois, says owners are already struggling with the $15 wage and warns that higher rates could force staff reductions and price increases.
An NFIB survey revealed that many owners reported an inability to absorb sudden increases in labor costs. Finley highlights that the previous transition was onerous: “Our members at Illinois faced great difficulties. Tiveram has to cut employees and raise prices. Isso affects workers, consumers and small businesses.”
Legisladores Illinois Republicans reinforce these criticisms. Tony McCombie, Republican leader in the state Câmara, calls approval of a federal increase unlikely and warns of additional pressure on residents already facing rising costs. Nas Rural areas, according to McCombie, residents struggle with rising property taxes, energy costs and healthcare expenses.
Contexto economic and potential impacts
Defensores of the measure argue that workers need a salary that allows them to cover basic needs in a context of persistent inflation. The proposed increase would represent a significant transformation in the American labor market after more than a decade of stagnation in the federal floor.
Críticos maintain that the proposal could place a significant burden on employers, especially small businesses that already face high operating costs. The phased approach was designed to reduce potential economic shock by ensuring a more gradual transition to payroll adjustments.
The discussion about minimum wage continues to be a polarizing topic at Congresso, with Democrats emphasizing workers’ purchasing power and Republicans highlighting employers’ responsibilities. The bill now awaits analysis in competent committees for a possible vote in plenary.