Gluesenkamp Perez, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Ensure Minimum Wage Reflects Local Cost of Living

<p>Last week,<strong> </strong><a href="http://gluesenkampperez.house.gov">Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03)</a> and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced the bipartisan <em>Fair Wage Act</em> to index the federal minimum wage to a regional cost-of-living standard, making it fairer and more responsive to local economic realities.</p>

<p>This legislation also updates the wage structure for tipped employees and newly hired employees under the age of 18, such as high school students employed for a summer job, providing a balanced approach for both workers and small businesses.</p>

<p><em>“As prices for everyday goods remain high, it’s become harder to make ends meet – even by working a full-time job. When we have more family-wage jobs, there are more pathways to the middle class,” </em><strong>said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. </strong><em>“Our bipartisan Fair Wage Act will make sure the minimum wage reflects economic realities on the ground in a dynamic way. When wages reflect regional costs of living, more hardworking families will be able to get ahead and spend time on what matters most.”</em></p>

<p><em>“In every corner of our country – from Levittown to Los Angeles – families are working hard, playing by the rules, and still struggling to keep up. It’s clear the federal minimum wage system is broken. As someone who represents a diverse, hardworking district, I know that a fair wage in Bucks County doesn’t look the same as in New York City or rural Arkansas,” </em><strong>said Rep. Fitzpatrick. </strong><em>“The Fair Wage Act is a practical, bipartisan solution built on common sense and local realities. It protects small businesses, respects regional differences, and most importantly – empowers working families to build a better life. I’m proud to lead this effort because I believe every American deserves the dignity of fair pay for a hard day’s work. And I’ll keep fighting until they get it.”</em></p>

<p>Full text of the legislation is available <a href="https://d12t4t5x3vyizu.cloudfront.net/gluesenkampperez.house.gov/uploads/2025/05/DEB4890D06C4F959142B4C103B2FDA10C5165CCFC096A143AFFDB6E40F83053F.text-fair-wage-act-of-2025.pdf">here</a>.</p>

<p>The lawmakers previously introduced the legislation in the 118th Congress.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/gluesenkamp-perez-fitzpatrick-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-ensure-minimum-wage-reflects-local-cost-of-living">Gluesenkamp Perez, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Ensure Minimum Wage Reflects Local Cost of Living</a> appeared first on <a href="https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov">Marie Gluesenkamp Perez</a>.</p>