Bernie Sanders and Trump Discuss Bipartisan Efforts to Raise Federal Minimum Wage to $17

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Senator Bernie Sanders proposes a $17 federal minimum wage, seeking collaboration with President-elect Trump to address wage stagnation.

At a Glance

  • Sanders aims to work with Trump to raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $17 per hour
  • The current minimum wage has remained unchanged since 2009
  • Previous attempts to raise the wage to $15 failed due to lack of Republican support
  • Trump acknowledges the wage is too low but notes complications in raising it
  • Both Sanders and Trump share some common ground on economic policies

Sanders Reaches Across the Aisle on Minimum Wage

Senator Bernie Sanders has expressed a desire to collaborate with President-elect Donald Trump on raising the federal minimum wage. In a recent interview on NBC News’s “Meet the Press” with host Kristen Welker, Sanders highlighted the urgent need to address the stagnant minimum wage, which has remained at $7.25 per hour since 2009. The Vermont senator’s proposal to increase the wage to $17 per hour marks a new chapter in the ongoing debate over fair compensation for American workers.

Sanders criticized the current minimum wage as “absolutely disgraceful,” emphasizing that many Americans struggle to afford basic necessities on such low wages. This move to engage with the incoming Trump administration demonstrates a willingness to pursue bipartisan solutions to economic challenges facing low-wage workers across the nation.

Previous Attempts and New Strategies

The push for a $17 minimum wage comes after previous efforts to raise the rate to $15 an hour failed to gain traction. Sanders’ earlier attempt received no Republican support, resulting in only 42 votes in favor. This setback has prompted the senator to seek alternative approaches and potential allies in the fight for higher wages.

President-elect Trump has previously acknowledged that the current minimum wage is insufficient. However, he has also noted the complexities involved in raising it, citing varying costs of living across different states. This recognition of the issue’s nuances may provide common ground for discussions between Sanders and the Trump administration.

Economic Common Ground

While Sanders and Trump have often been at odds politically, they share some similar views on certain economic policies. For instance, both have expressed interest in limiting credit card interest rates. During his campaign, Trump suggested capping these rates at 10 percent. Similarly, Sanders, along with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, introduced the Loan Shark Prevention Act, which proposes a 15 percent cap on consumer credit interest rates.

This alignment on credit card interest rates could potentially pave the way for constructive dialogue on other economic issues, including the minimum wage. As both politicians have shown concern for the financial struggles of working-class Americans, there may be room for compromise and collaboration on wage policy.

Challenges and Considerations

While the proposal for a $17 minimum wage represents a significant increase from the current rate, it faces several hurdles. The varying economic conditions across states, concerns about potential job losses, and the impact on small businesses are all factors that will likely be part of the debate. Additionally, gaining bipartisan support in a divided Congress remains a formidable challenge.

As discussions move forward, policymakers will need to consider phased implementation, potential exemptions for certain businesses, and strategies to mitigate any negative economic impacts. The coming months will reveal whether Sanders and Trump can find common ground on this critical issue and work towards a solution that addresses the needs of low-wage workers while considering the broader economic implications.

Sources:

  1. Sanders says he hopes to work with Trump to raise minimum wage
  2. ‘I surely hope’ to work with Trump to raise the minimum wage, Sen. Bernie Sanders says
  3. Sanders says he hopes to work with Trump to raise minimum wage
  4. Bernie Sanders Hopes to Work With Donald Trump on Key Issue

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