Dear Friend,

In today’s weakened economy, families throughout the country are struggling to cover the rising cost of gas, groceries, health care and other necessities. I believe workers who put in an honest day’s work should be able to provide for themselves and their families. But in too many cases, that’s just not happening.

So I am glad that hard working Americans received a well-deserved raise this week when the minimum wage was increased. In Indiana alone, over 140,000 Hoosiers and their families will benefit from the pay raise. 

The increase, which was passed by Congress last year, amounts to $2.10 per hour (from $5.15 to $7.25), and will be provided in three steps over two years. The minimum wage was increased from $5.15 to $5.85 last July. As of Thursday, those workers will now earn $6.55 per hour and can count on a future raise to $7.25 next July. That increase will mean an extra $4,400 per year to help families make ends meet.

At the same time, I am mindful of the impact employee wages can have on small businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. They create three out of every four new jobs, employ over 1.2 million Hoosiers, and drive the innovation that keeps our economy strong. So I also supported $4.84 billion in tax cuts to keep small businesses healthy and growing.

These policies show America can be pro-business and pro-worker at the same time. I will continue to look for common sense ways to help more workers achieve the American dream, while growing and strengthening our small businesses.

Sincerely,

Brad Ellsworth