The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rep. Pelosi off the mark in comment about wages
“Even with full control of the House, Senate and White House, Republicans have still failed to deliver on their promise of higher wages for working families.” — Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on Dec.
8 in a statement released by her office
Pelosi’s talking point is a stretch: Federal data show wage growth since President Donald Trump took office in January, though one of the two measurements shows the gains barely outpacing inflation.
For the last quarter fully under President Barack Obama, the fourth quarter of 2016, the figure for median usual weekly inflation-adjusted earnings for full-time wage and salary workers age 16 and over was $348.
After Trump took office, it rose to $350 in the first quarter of 2017, rose again to $354 in the second quarter, and stayed at $354 in the third and most recent quarter.
The $6 increase may not seem like much, but it’s still almost a 2 percent increase above the rate of inflation over just three quarters, and that runs counter to the point Pelosi was trying to make.
Our ruling
The two best statistics for judging Pelosi’s assertion both show wage growth. One shows growth that’s barely above inflation, meaning Americans wouldn’t necessarily keep any more of their income in their pocket. We rate her statement Mostly False.