AUSTIN (December 1, 2016)-- Today, Representative Reynolds Pre-filed House Bill 475 to be considered during the upcoming 85th Legislature which will begin on January 10, 2017. The bill will raise the minimum wage in Texas to $15.00 an hour.

“Raising the minimum wage in Texas to $15.00 an hour will put more money into the pockets of hard-working Texans and it is a critical step in creating an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few. We need to close the economic gap here in Texas, working work-full time and trying to support a family on less than $15,000 a year is impossible”, stated Reynolds.

Raising the minimum wage in Texas will increase earnings for thousands of workers, and support the local economies where they live, work and spend their earnings. In addition, businesses small and large, will recognize that raising the minimum wage will boost morale and increase productivity. Higher wages also sharply reduce employee turnover which can reduce employment and training costs. The typical minimum wage worker is not a high school student earning weekend pocket money. In fact, 89 percent of those who would benefit from a minimum wage increase are age 20 or older, and 56 percent are women.

Ron Reynolds represents Texas House District 27, which encompasses communities of Fort Bend County. Representative Reynolds currently serves as the Democratic Whip of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, and a member of the House Committees on Elections and Environmental Regulations.