WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Senate Parliamentarian ruled against passing a minimum wage increase through budget reconciliation. In response, Just Democracy, a coalition of over 40 racial and social justice organizations, is calling on Senate Democrats to eliminate the filibuster to move the wage increase forward. If Congress fails to take action, the filibuster will continue to block legislation aimed at uplifting Black and Brown Americans out of poverty. 

Kevin Kimble, Esq., Founder and CEO of the Financial Services Innovation Coalition and Just Democracy Coalition Member issued the following statement in response:

“An effective and equitable democracy cannot solely hinge on maneuvering meaningful legislation into an obscure budget reconciliation process. We need to eliminate historical obstacles, like the filibuster, that block policies that would help communities of color thrive. 

A long history of systemic racism and arcane rules favoring white communities have prevented Black and Brown Americans from accessing economic resources, including a dignified, livable wage. If Senate Democrats don’t demonstrate courage, structural racism will continue to thwart progress in Congress. Today it’s the minimum wage. Tomorrow, the filibuster stands to block legislation on immigration, gun violence prevention, climate justice, voting rights and more.”

 

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About Just Democracy

Just Democracy is an intersectional coalition with racial justice at its core — uplifting voices from all walks of American life that are too often left out of the conversation. The coalition is made up of over 40 Black and Brown-led organizations working across issue areas. It mobilizes thousands who know that advancing social and racial justice issues first requires bold structural democracy reform.

To speak with a Just Democracy spokesperson, please email press@justdemocracy.us.

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