Original LAW Act

This bill raises the federal minimum wage in steps, then ties it to a “living wage” formula so it keeps up over time. It would move the wage to $10.59 in 2026, $14.59 in 2027, $18.59 in 2028, $22.59 in 2029, and $26.59 in 2030. Starting in 2031, the Department of Labor would recalculate the wage every seven years so a person working about 35 hours a week (1,799 hours a year) earns an income at least 40% above a federal poverty measure for a renting family of four; if the formula would lower the wage, it can’t be reduced. The bill also says the minimum wage should be adjusted when inflation is high (5% or more for two straight years) and that states, cities, and tribes may set higher local wages.

Key points

• Who is affected: Workers paid the federal minimum wage and the employers who pay it.
• What changes: Set raises through 2030, then a seven‑year update based on a living‑wage formula; the wage cannot go down once set .
• When: New rates start each January 1 from 2026 through 2030; formula‑based updates begin January 1, 2031, and repeat every seven years .