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Cohen Statement on U of M Seeking to Raise Its Minimum Wage to $10.10 Per Hour

October 21, 2014

[MEMPHIS, TN] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement in response to University of Memphis President M. David Rudd’s announcement that he will seek approval from the Tennessee Board of Regents to raise U of M workers’ minimum wage to $10.10 per hour:

“I commend U of M President David Rudd for taking this step to improve the lives of his employees by raising the school’s minimum wage to $10.10 an hour—it is a great start that shows his concern for the University's workers. Throughout my career, I have always fought to ensure that those who work hard and play by the rules can earn a living wage and don’t have to struggle to provide for themselves and their families. I was proud to vote for the last increase in the federal minimum wage in 2007, and am honored to co-sponsor the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013, which would increase the minimum wage to $10.10 across the nation.”

“I urge the Tennessee Board of Regents to approve this increase and hope my colleagues in the House of Representatives follow U of M’s lead. Raising the federal minimum wage would help thousands of Memphians and millions of Americans, reduce income inequality and strengthen American families.”