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Smith Statement on Minimum Wage Bill

April 30, 2015

Today, Congressman Smith became a cosponsor of the Raise the Wage Act introduced by Senator Patty Murray and Ed & Workforce Chairman Bobby Scott.  This legislation would raise the minimum wage nationwide to $12.00 per hour by 2020.  Congressman Smith released the following statement in support of the bill:
 
“As our economy continues to recover from the Great Recession, we need policies that support investing in our workforce to ensure that everyone is sharing in the recovery.  A large part of this is making sure that employees earn a living wage.  This legislation would help do so by increasing the national minimum wage to $12 an hour by 2020.

“Studies have shown that the fall in minimum wage over the last 30 years has led to an increase in inequality between median wage earners and workers at the bottom of the wage ladder. Addressing this issue is central to establishing wage equality for all workers but particularly women, as female employees are 60% more likely to be paid minimum wage than male employees.”
 
Besides increasing the national minimum wage from $7.25 to $12.00 by the year 2020, this bill would also index the minimum wage to the median wage starting in 2021, and eliminate the tipped minimum wage gradually by raising the cash wage from the current $2.13 per hour to match the regular minimum wage.

Smith Statement on Nepal Earthquake

April 28, 2015

Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement on the earthquake in Nepal:
 
“My thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragic earthquake in Nepal.   My deepest condolences go out to the Nepalese community in Washington State and around the world.  The United States will continue to work closely with the Nepalese government to provide support as it continues to deal with this crisis.   As a member of the Nepalese Congressional Caucus, I will do all I can in Congress to ensure that Nepal receives the humanitarian support it needs .”

 

Smith Statement on Confirmation of Loretta Lynch

April 23, 2015

Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement on the confirmation of Loretta Lynch:
 
“I am glad to see the Senate finally confirm Loretta Lynch as our next Attorney General.  Ms. Lynch, who is the first African American woman Attorney General, has spent her career promoting civil rights and equality.  I look forward to working with her in this new capacity.  I also want to thank former Attorney General Eric Holder for his dedicated service to our country through many difficult challenges.”

 

Congressman Adam Smith Statement on Earth Day

April 22, 2015

Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement on Earth Day:

“Protecting our planet is one of our greatest challenges.  Climate change continues to result in unpredictable and extreme temperatures, rising sea levels, and extreme weather, all of which threaten our environment and future generations.  In order to address the growing problem of climate change and to conserve our natural resources, Congress must make major improvements to our nation’s energy policy and take meaningful steps to reduce the impacts of global climate change.  

“We must continue to invest in and encourage the development of clean energy and energy efficiency technologies that will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.  Building a clean energy economy that cuts carbon pollution and promotes wind, solar, low-carbon fuel, and other renewable energy technologies is critical to saving our planet.  

“Earth Day serves as a reminder that each individual and community must play a role in protecting and preserving our environment.  I am honored to represent a district that truly understands the importance of curbing climate change and caring for our environment.  It was great to see that many South Sound schools pledged to power down equipment and lights to recognize Earth Day, as well as those communities in my district which celebrated their support for environmental protection.  I look forward to continuing to work in Congress to promote legislation that combats climate change and protects our resources.”

Smith Statement on Equal Pay Day

April 14, 2015

Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement recognizing Equal Pay Day: 

“The Equal Pay Act was signed into law over 50 years ago, yet women still are paid less than men across all levels of education and occupation.  The pay inequality that exists for women is discriminatory, harmful, and unacceptable. As women make up a growing percentage of the workforce and their family incomes, this pay gap has a devastating impact on children, spouses and the family as a whole.  More must be done.
 
“We must pass the Paycheck Fairness Act to help ensure women are paid equally for equal work.  This legislation, introduced by Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), would make it easier for women to file class-action lawsuits, require employers to provide proof that pay disparity is based on performance and not gender, and prohibit employers from punishing employees who discuss salary information in the work place.  I am an original cosponsor of this bill because it takes further steps to fix the discriminatory pay gap between men and women.  
 
“Equal Pay Day serves as a reminder that our current laws are not protecting pay equality.  When women are paid equally for equal work, it benefits us all, and Congress must do more to ensure that they do.”  
 

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