On Thursday, July, 18, 2019, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos helped pass the Raise the Wage Act. This legislation would raise the Federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 by 2025[. It would] give more than 33 million hardworking Americans a raise. Additionally, this bill would lift 1.3 million Americans out of poverty, including 600,000 children.
The last Federal minimum wage increase was ten years ago–the longest stretch without an increase in U. S. history. Further, one in nine American workers are paid wages that leave them living in poverty, even while working full-time and year-round.
This legislation will not only help workers but will also boost the economy. By putting money back in the pockets of workers and their families, spending in households with minimum wage workers increased, on average, at least $700 per quarter, according to economic research.
“All across our region, I hear from hardworking men and women who haven’t gotten a raise in years, because, too often, Washington works for the wealthy few, instead of the hardworking men and women who power this Country,” Congresswoman Bustos said. “I’m proud of Gov. Pritzker’s leadership raising the minimum wage in our State…, by giving 33 million Americans a much-needed raise. This legislation would make sure this important progress isn’t limited to Illinois. In Congress, I’ll continue to stay laser-focused on growing Illinoisans’ paychecks and creating good-paying jobs that can support a family.”
On Wednesday, July 24, 2019, Congresswoman Bustos helped pass the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act. This legislation would crack down on the nuisance of robocalls and strengthen protections for consumers. This bill would establish a Nationwide caller authentication system, so consumers can trust what appears on their caller ID.
This legislation would provide the Federal Communications Committee with more resources and authority to locate and act against robocallers. It also gives power to consumers by allowing them to revoke consent they had previously given to receive calls at any time, and requires calls to have verified caller identification information associated with the call, before it can be placed.
Additionally, it extends the statute of limitations from one year to three years for callers in violation of robocall prohibitions.
“People are sick and tired of robocalls, and I don’t blame them, because I am, too,” Congresswoman Bustos said. “This common-sense solution will bring some relief to receiving unwanted calls, which are often predatory and have the goal of defrauding consumers. These scams must stop, and it is long past time we equip regulators with the tools to stop them.”