Rise in Minimum Wage?

For the past 22 years, the federal minimum wage for workers who also rely on tips for their income has remained at $2.13 an hour. This is the reason that many restaurant and hotel workers are living in poverty; according to former waitress, Gina Deluca, 19.3% of those who make $2.13 an hour are living in poverty. However, President Obama has made a proposal that will raise the federal minimum wage to $9. Although most states have their own minimum wage levels that are higher than $2.13, 13 states rely on the federal minimum wage. Many are hoping that the bill will be passed.