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Senator Murray Criticizes Court’s Home Care Ruling

January 15, 2015

Washington Senator Patty Murray (D) has issued a statement saying she disagrees with a court decision which invalidated a crucial federal rule regarding home care workers’ wages.

The rule change, which would have extended federal minimum wage and overtime protections to home care workers, was invalidated in a federal district court by Judge Richard Leon on January 14.

“Home care workers, including tens of thousands in my home state of Washington, provide demanding and deeply personal support to families in need,” Murray’s statement begins.

There is no reason why these professionals should be denied… basic minimum wage and overtime protections.

“There is no reason why these professionals, ninety percent of whom are women, should be denied the economic security that comes with basic minimum wage and overtime protections,” she continues. 

Although the rule change is currently invalid, Murray said that she would support the administration of President Obama in “exploring legal options to ensure this critical step forward for millions of American workers is upheld.”

Murray is a ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

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— by Matthew Ozga

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