Senate parliamentarian: $15 minimum wage increase can't be included in relief package

The Senate parliamentarian ruled on Thursday evening that Democrats cannot include a $15 per hour minimum wage in their $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package.

Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough determined that the policy did not meet the standard for it to be included under budget reconciliation, which allows the Senate to pass certain budget-related bills with a simple majority.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Democrats are "deeply disappointed in this decision. We are not going to give up the fight to raise the minimum wage to $15 to help millions of struggling American workers and their families." President Biden has said he will back a standalone bill to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up