What does Preamble of Living Wage For All Act do?

This bill aims to establish a path for the federal minimum wage to reach a living wage aligned with the national median wage. The bill intends to require large, highly profitable corporations to take the lead in this transition. The legislation seeks to eliminate all subminimum wages.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Living Wage For All Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Living Wage For All Act.

What does FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. of Living Wage For All Act do?

This section establishes findings related to the need for a living wage and aligning the federal minimum wage with the cost of living. It states that a $25 hourly wage is a conservative baseline step toward aligning wages with the cost of living. The section finds that large, profitable corporations should lead the transition to higher wage standards. It proposes tying the federal minimum wage to a fixed share of the national median hourly wage to ensure it rises with the economy. The purpose of the Act is to establish a path toward a living wage by reaching a level equal to two-thirds of the national median hourly wage and remaining indexed to that standard. The Act aims to require large corporations to lead the transition and provide additional adjustment time for other employers.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Living Wage For All Act do?

This section defines 'large employer' and 'other employer' for the purposes of this Act. A 'large employer' is defined as an employer with annual gross revenues of $1,000,000,000 or more, or an employer with 500 or more employees nationwide. An 'other employer' is defined as any employer that does not meet the definition of a 'large employer'.

What does MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES. of Living Wage For All Act do?

This section amends Section 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. It establishes a schedule of minimum wage increases for 'large employers' beginning January 1, 2026, reaching $25.00 per hour by January 1, 2031. A separate schedule of minimum wage increases is established for 'other employers,' beginning January 1, 2026, reaching $25.00 per hour by January 1, 2038. The wage increases are subject to subsection (h), which is not detailed in this section. For large employers, the required wage may not exceed the wage determined under subsection (h) for the applicable year.

What does MEDIAN WAGE STANDARD AND INDEXING. of Living Wage For All Act do?

This section amends Section 6 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. It establishes a target minimum wage equal to two-thirds of the national median hourly wage, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. During a phase-in period, the minimum wage is adjusted based on a schedule, but cannot exceed two-thirds of the national median hourly wage for a given year. If, after the phase-in, the minimum wage hasn't reached two-thirds of the median wage, it will increase annually by $1.00 or the amount needed to reach the target, whichever is less. Once the minimum wage reaches the target, it will be automatically adjusted annually to maintain the two-thirds ratio. The Secretary must use actual Bureau of Labor Statistics data and, when necessary, economic projections from the Congressional Budget Office or successor agencies. Each annual determination must be published at least 90 days before its effective date.

What does TIPPED EMPLOYEES. of Living Wage For All Act do?

This section amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 regarding tipped employees. It establishes a phased-in increase in the base minimum wage for tipped employees of large employers, reaching $15.00 an hour within three years and $18.00 an hour within four years, before aligning with the standard minimum wage. For tipped employees of other employers, a different, gradually increasing minimum wage is established, eventually reaching the standard minimum wage. The section clarifies that employees have the right to retain their tips. It mandates that employers inform employees of their right to retain tips. The amendments include a scheduled repeal of the separate minimum wage for tipped employees, aligning their wage with the standard minimum wage. Penalties related to keeping or using wages are modified.

What does YOUTH WORKERS. of Living Wage For All Act do?

This section amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 regarding the minimum wage for newly hired employees under 20 years old. It establishes a tiered minimum wage schedule for these employees, starting at $6.00 per hour for the first year. The wage increases annually by either $1.75 or the amount needed to reach the standard minimum wage under section 6(a)(1), whichever is lesser. The separate minimum wage provision for these employees is scheduled for repeal once the tiered wage equals the standard minimum wage. The repeal and amendment will take effect one day after the tiered wage reaches the standard minimum wage.

What does PUBLICATION OF NOTICE. of Living Wage For All Act do?

This section amends Section 6 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. The amendment requires the Secretary of Labor to publish a notice of any increase in the required wage. The notice must be published in the Federal Register and on the Department of Labor's website. The publication must occur no later than 60 days prior to the effective date of the wage increase.

What does WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES. of Living Wage For All Act do?

This section amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to establish a transition to living wages for individuals with disabilities. It mandates a phased increase in the minimum wage for individuals with disabilities, starting at $5.00 per hour and eventually reaching the standard minimum wage. The section prohibits the issuance of new special certificates for employers who did not have them before the enactment of the Living Wage For All Act. It requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance to employers with existing special certificates to comply with the new wage requirements and ensure employment opportunities. The authority to issue special certificates will expire once the wage rate for individuals with disabilities equals the standard minimum wage. The section also amends the publication of notice requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act, referencing section 14(c)(1)(A).

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Living Wage For All Act

Last updated: 4/28/2026 · Introduced: 4/28/2026

Author: Delia Ramirez (D-IL)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a schedule for increasing the federal minimum wage to $25.00 per hour for large employers and $25.00 per hour for other employers, with different timelines.
The bill aims to tie the federal minimum wage to two-thirds of the national median hourly wage, adjusting annually based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data and Congressional Budget Office projections.
For tipped employees, the bill mandates a phased-in increase in their base minimum wage, eventually aligning it with the standard minimum wage and prohibiting employers from keeping or using employee tips.
The bill creates a tiered minimum wage schedule for newly hired employees under 20 years old, gradually increasing their wage until it reaches the standard minimum wage.
Individuals with disabilities will experience a phased increase in their minimum wage, ultimately reaching the standard minimum wage, while also prohibiting new special certificates and providing technical assistance.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 8002(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 10 more.

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