A bill called the “Restoring Overtime Pay Act of 2023” would increase the number of US workers eligible for overtime to 55% of all salaried workers from 15% today, according to sponsors. The bill was announced March 29 by US Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio.

“If you put in extra work, you should earn extra pay — it’s that simple,” Brown said.

Right now, workers who make about $36,000 per year are eligible for overtime pay, according to Brown’s office. The legislation would immediately raise that to workers making $45,000 per year. It would continue to raise that amount each year for five years until more than half of salaried workers nationwide are eligible for overtime.

The legislation is endorsed by the National Employment Law Project, AFL-CIO and the nonprofit WorkMoney.

Co-sponsoring the legislation are 19 Democratic US senators.

“New Yorkers and Americans all across the country know that recognition and praise for extra hours and overtime shifts doesn’t put food on the table or pay the rent,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-New York, US Senate majority leader. “As our economy recovers, it is critical we invest in working Americans getting back on their feet by expanding overtime to pay them what they have earned.”