"Working-class Americans have waited too long, close to a decade in fact, for an increase in the minimum wage. This has been the second longest period without a pay raise since the Federal minimum wage law was first enacted in 1938"

This quote by Bill Pascrell talks to the long-standing issue of inadequate salaries for working-class Americans. It highlights the fact that it has been close to a years considering that the minimum wage was last increased, making it the second longest period without a pay raise since the Federal base pay law was first enacted in 1938. This quote emphasizes the requirement for an increase in the base pay, as working-class Americans have been waiting too wish for a raise. It also serves as a suggestion of for how long this concern has actually been going on, and just how much progress still needs to be made in order to guarantee that all workers are paid a fair wage.