Reschenthaler Opposes Democrats’ Legislation to Harm American Workers, Weaken Economy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) voted against Democrats' latest bill, the so-called Raise the Wage Act (H.R. 582), which would harm American workers and weaken our economy.
"Under President Trump and Congressional Republicans' leadership, our nation is experiencing unprecedented economic growth that has led to bigger paychecks and more jobs for hardworking Pennsylvanians," said Reschenthaler. "Democrats want to destroy everything we achieved in the last 2 years with their minimum wage hike, which even the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office says will kill nearly 4 million American jobs and reduce household incomes for American families by $8.7 billion. Speaker Pelosi needs to stop pandering to the radical Democrat socialists in her party and work with us to pass legislation that will help, not hurt, the American worker."
H.R. 582 would be a devastating hit to workers and families across the United States. In addition to lost jobs and income, the bill would cripple small businesses, reducing business income and making it more difficult to maintain prices while also retaining workers. Consumers would be negatively impacted due to higher costs for goods and services.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 2.3 percent of hourly workers are paid at or below the minimum wage. These minimum wage workers are largely comprised of entry-level and lesser-skilled workers. Raising the minimum wage puts these types of jobs at risk of having hours reduced or being eliminated altogether.
A study on Seattle's minimum wage increase provides a real-world warning for the destructive impact this legislation would have on American workers. This study, conducted by the University of Washington, found that many businesses were cutting payrolls, putting off new hiring, reducing hours, or letting workers go in an attempt to comply with the mandate. Total wage payments actually fell across the city.
"Rather than imposing such a dramatic increase in the federal minimum wage, we should prioritize policies that create more jobs for hardworking Americans and continue to grow paychecks," said Reschenthaler.
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