Adjusted for inflation, the minimum wage peaked in 1968 at $8.54 (in 2014 dollars).5 facts about the minimum wage 
Progressives believe that stagnating wages perpetuate income inequality and that raising the minimum wage is a necessary step to combat inequality.<ref name=":2" /> If the minimum wage grew at the rate of productivity growth in the United States, it would be $21.72 an hour, nearly three times as much as the current $7.25 an hour.The Minimum Wage is Too Damn Low Popular progressives, such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Rep. Keith Ellison, have endorsed a federally mandated wage increase to $15 an hour.A Living Wage The movement has already seen success with its implementation in California with the passing of bill to raise the minimum wage $1 every year until reaching $15 an hour in 2021.California New York workers are lobbying for similar legislation as many continue to rally for a minimum wage increase as part of the Fight for $15 (Fast food worker strikes) movement.Fight for $15