AMONG THE first bills introduced in the House of Representatives after the Democrats took control in January was a proposal to raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $15 by 2024. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.) and 204 other Democrats, corresponds to the “Fight for $15” slogan and the progressive movement that has been campaigning for higher state and local minimum wages around the country. As you will notice, 205 co-sponsors is well short of a majority in the 435-member chamber, and the reason for that is not resistance from pro-business Republicans but the reluctance of skeptical Democrats. They are right to raise questions. READ MORE