For the Reporter

Democratic Congressional candidate Jason Ritchie met supporters of a living wage in Auburn on Tuesday as part of a push to raise the federal minimum wage.

The group met in Auburn to call on Rep. Dave Reichert (R-8th District) to support federal legislation that would raise the nation’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10.

“It’s not enough to talk about independence,” Ritchie said after meeting with the advocates. “Now, more than ever, working families need someone in Congress looking out for them. It’s time for Rep. Dave Reichert to break ranks with the leadership of this do-nothing Congress and pass legislation to ensure hard-working Washington families get a fair wage for a fair day’s work.”

Legislation authorizing an increase – HR 1010, The Fair Minimum Wage Act – has been stalled in Congress since being assigned to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Rep. Reichert voted with Tea Party Republicans to prevent consideration the bill, according to the Ritchie campaign.

“Too many families wake up every day not knowing whether they’ll be able to meet their most basic needs,” Ritchie said. “As a small business owner, I strongly believe that American workers and the families of Washington’s 8th Congressional District deserve nothing less than the respect and security that comes with earning a living wage. As their voice in Congress, I would be honored to make that a reality.”