Dear Common Dreams Readers:
Watch: Keith Ellison Jams Out to Celebrate Minneapolis $15 Minimum Wage
"We're gonna fight here in Washington, you guys are fighting in Minneapolis, we're fighting all over the country so the American people can get a raise."
"Thank you very much for your struggle," Ellison said. (Photo: Keith Ellison/Twitter screenshot)
The Minneapolis City Council on Friday voted overwhelmingly to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, news that made Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) so happy he broke out his guitar and sang in celebration.
Watch below:
The Minneapolis City Council just approved raising the minimum wage to $15!
— Rep. Keith Ellison (@keithellison) June 30, 2017
That's such good news, I had to sing a song to celebrate. pic.twitter.com/puxBV8lA7G
The performance was not unusual for Ellison, who has a history of pairing his musical talents with advocacy for a living wage for American workers.
Ellison "showed up to our first strike with his guitar," noted Fight for $15's official Twitter account. "He's been here since day one."
"Fifteen dollars, that's awesome. I'm so proud of you guys. You keep it up," Ellison said. "We're gonna fight here in Washington, you guys are fighting in Minneapolis, we're fighting all over the country so the American people can get a raise. Thank you very much for your struggle."
Well-deserved raise for Minneapolis workers. Keep the #FightFor15 movement going! https://t.co/Z8T3SAoVrG
— Progressive Caucus (@USProgressives) June 30, 2017
The legislation passed by Minneapolis lawmakers on Friday would phase in the wage increase over several years; the minimum will be $15 for all businesses by July 2024, the Star Tribune reported.
"Today, we uplift all workers," wrote Council Member Abdi Warsame in a letter that was read aloud during Friday's meeting. "Today's vote, while historic, is just another step in our unending journey to build a better city."