Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a statement Thursday on the national minimum wage, which increased today by 70 cents, from $6.55 per hour to $7.25 per hour, the final of three increases to take effect under legislation enacted by the Democratic Congress. 
“…[M]illions of hardworking Americans will be getting a raise,” she said. “As the final step of the minimum wage increase goes into effect, studies have shown we are also stimulating the economy by giving hardworking Americans the income they need to buy groceries, fill up their gas tanks, and get their children ready to head back-to school.”
“When Democrats assumed control of Congress, increasing the minimum wage was one of our first orders of business and it has meant real progress for American families struggling to make ends meet — a $4,000 annual raise now that it’s fully phased in. We are continuing that work as we reform health care to make it affordable, reliable and accessible for all Americans.”