Our new President Joe Biden wasted no time on releasing a Covid-19 relief plan. On Jan. 14 he unveiled his $1.9 trillion bill as the American Rescue Plan. This bill will provide aid to those who are unemployed, the hungry, and those who are facing eviction. To read more of the benefits click this link that will provide you with more information regarding what the bill will provide.

President Biden also added a $15 hourly minimum wage to the bill. Unfortunately on Feb. 25 this part of the bill was not passed. The Congress Parliamentarian ruled that this minimum wage act did not satisfy, thus leaving it out of the bill. This news devastated those who needed the money. To many families this raise is crucial. It would have definitely helped those who are having trouble feeding their families and themselves. A raise to $15 would begin to undo decades of growing pay inequality. 

Sophomore Daniela De La Cruz stated, “Also, food, gas, and the necessary minimum resources one needs is barely or sometimes not always attainable since the rent, taxes, and stuff like that are constantly at the forefront of the mind.” 

After this roadblock many are left wondering what’s next? Democrats can take this policy out of the bill and rewrite the provision so that it can be considered in legislation. Senator Bernie Sanders even stepped in and disagreed with the decision that the Congress Parliamentarian made. He will continue to fight for this rise of minimum wage and even went to go on and say that he will be working on an 

“An amendment to take tax deductions away from large, profitable corporations that don’t pay workers at least $15 an hour and to provide small businesses with the incentives they need to raise wages,” said Senator Bernie Sanders.

A junior was willing to share their experience on working and the effect this setback will have. 

“This really affected me because the increase would allow me to help afford necessities. My parents work hard and I want to help them out as much as possible. I am sure I am not the only one who likes the image of seeing your parents’ tired face when they get home from work.”

However there is a glimmer of hope; back on April 4, 2016 former governor of California Jerry Brown signed a law that will increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour by January 2022. This increase in minimum wage will only apply to companies that employ 26 or more employees. Employers with 25 or less employees will also get a raise to $14 an hour. 

This increase will certainly be more than enough for those who struggle to put food on the table. Especially during these times anyone would be able to buy essential needs for yourself, friends, or family.