U.S. President Barack Obama reiterated his call for Congress to increase the federal minimum wage, saying the American economy is now better off.

"America deserves a raise," he said in a speech at Laborfest 2014 at Henry Maier Festival Park on Labor Day.

Aside from pushing for an increase in minimum wage, Obama also calls for the protection of the right of women to equal pay.

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Obama backed his push for a wage increase with data showing the US economy revving "a little louder".

Among the indicators that showed a vibrant US economy are the unemployment rate that dropped 1.1 points over the past year, the economic growth of 4.2 percent in the second quarter of the year, and the stock market that has rallied and nearly tripled in five years.

"By almost every measure the American economy and American workers are better off than when I took office," he said, although acknowledging that not all people are benefiting.

His wage increase speech on Monday was a reiteration of his radio and Internet address last Saturday and further underlines the top issue for the democrats.

Political analysts said the issue on minimum wage is designed to draw campaign contrasts with Republicans, who are mostly against an increase due to its effect on small businesses and job generation.

It could go against the Republicans because no one expects Congress to pass a legislation that would raise the minimum pay before the elections in November.

"Until we've got a Congress that cares about raising working folks' wages, it's up to the rest of us to make it happen," Obama said.

Even without a federal increase, 13 US states have already raised their minimum wages since the start of the year.

TagsBarack Obama, US Minimum Wage, US Wage Increase