In a recent appearance on NBC's Meet the Press, Senator Bernie Sanders expressed his intention to collaborate with President-elect Donald Trump to raise the federal minimum wage significantly.

Sanders has proposed a substantial increase in the federal minimum wage to $17 per hour, seeking bipartisan support, including that of Trump, as The Hill reports.

On the program, Sanders discussed the current state of the federal minimum wage, which has remained unchanged at $7.25 per hour since 2009. He highlighted the difficulties this wage rate poses for American workers.

The Current Minimum Wage is Seen as Insufficient

Highlighting the plight of many Americans, Sanders pointed out that the current wage does not meet basic living needs. "At $7.25 per hour, the minimum wage is an absolute disgrace," he stated during the interview.

The senator underscored the urgency of addressing the wage inadequacy, noting that it results in millions living on what he termed "starvation wages."

This situation, Sanders argued, leaves workers struggling to afford essential items such as housing and adequate food for their children.

Previous Attempts to Raise Minimum Wage

Reflecting on his earlier efforts to increase the minimum wage, Sanders recalled his proposal two years ago to raise it to $15 per hour. Unfortunately, the initiative did not succeed in the Senate.

"I tried, I think, two years ago to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. We got zero. Not one Republican supported it. We ended up with 42 votes," Sanders shared with host Welker.

Despite the previous lack of support, Sanders remains hopeful about gaining bipartisan backing this time around, especially with Trump's recent acknowledgment of the problem.

Sanders Seeks Bipartisan Support for Wage Hike

President-elect Trump, during his campaign, had acknowledged his belief that the minimum wage is too low. However, he also mentioned the complexities involved in adjusting it across different states and industries.

These complexities, Trump noted, make a straightforward increase challenging but not necessarily impossible.

With this acknowledgment from Trump, Sanders sees an opportunity to push for a new legislative effort to increase the minimum wage to $17 per hour.

Hope for a Collaborative Effort

"I surely hope so," Sanders said optimistically about the possibility of working with Trump on this issue. His statement reflects a willingness to cross party lines to achieve significant changes that could benefit millions of workers.

By suggesting a wage increase to $17 per hour, Sanders is proposing a more ambitious target than his previous $15 mark, reflecting the ongoing economic challenges.

"So yes, we have got to raise the minimum wage," he emphasized, suggesting that a substantial increase is essential for improving living standards.

The Path Forward for Wage Increase

The discussion on Meet the Press represents a pivotal moment for wage policy in the United States. Sanders' call for a higher minimum wage aims to address the economic disparity affecting low-wage workers across the country.

As the debate over the minimum wage continues, all eyes will be on the cooperation between Sanders and Trump. The potential for bipartisan support could be a key factor in the success of this initiative.

With the inauguration of President-elect Trump forthcoming, the nation waits to see how this collaboration might unfold and what impact it will have on the economic landscape.