Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) released the following statement on passage of H.R. 582, the Raise the Wage Act, which would gradually increase the federal minimum wage to $15 by 2025. This landmark piece of legislation would give over 3 million Floridian workers, including nearly 106,000 in Pinellas County, a well deserved raise.

“After the longest stretch in American history without a minimum wage increase, the People’s House struck a powerful blow in the Fight for 15,” said Crist. “We’re the wealthiest country on Earth, working families holding full-time jobs should be able to afford the basic human necessities like food, housing, education, and healthcare. After more than 10 years without an increase in the minimum wage, it’s time to put working families first. Today’s vote will lift millions out of poverty, stimulate local economies, and help restore the value of a hard day’s work.”

This historic piece of legislation would give 33 million American workers a raise, including nearly 20 million women, 16 million people of color, and more than 9 million workers with children.