Hawley Proposes $15 Federal Minimum Wage | JQJO

Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley will introduce legislation to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2026, with further inflation-adjusted increases. This bipartisan bill, co-sponsored by Vermont Democrat Senator Peter Welch, aims to address the stagnant minimum wage ($7.25 since 2009). Hawley's move contrasts with traditional Republican opposition but reflects a shift towards populist policies appealing to working-class voters. The bill is part of Hawley's broader "Pro-Worker Framework," including union protection and credit card interest rate caps. This follows Missouri voters' approval of a similar state measure, although the legislature later removed inflation adjustments.