Bernie Sanders on minimum wage: what the evidence says · JRE #2341
SUBJECT: MINIMUM WAGE
The short answer
The US federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 an hour. The federal minimum wage set by the Fair Labor Standards Act is $7.25 per hour, the rate Sanders cited. That rate took effect on July 24, 2009 (rising from $6.55) and has not changed since, meaning it has been frozen for more than 15 years.
Not a true/false call. Every claim is logged with its sources; read the exhibits below.
So that for example, right now in Washington, the national minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.
What the evidence says 01 / RECORD
The federal minimum wage set by the Fair Labor Standards Act is $7.25 per hour, the rate Sanders cited. That rate took effect on July 24, 2009 (rising from $6.55) and has not changed since, meaning it has been frozen for more than 15 years. Sanders' reference to Washington points to the federal government rather than Washington state, and the $7.25 federal figure he gives is correct. Rating: accurate.