No, $12 is for his D.C. Senate interns! Interns are not paid in DC, so this is $12/hour above the going rate. Interns do this because it's an avenue for congressional jobs and political jobs. Sanders has said he wanted those opportunities available to working-class students, so he initiated paid internships. His campaign staff make much more than that, but it varies according to the job.
Re: “Sanders Touts $15-per-Hour Wage — But Doesn't Pay It”
No, $12 is for his D.C. Senate interns! Interns are not paid in DC, so this is $12/hour above the going rate. Interns do this because it's an avenue for congressional jobs and political jobs. Sanders has said he wanted those opportunities available to working-class students, so he initiated paid internships. His campaign staff make much more than that, but it varies according to the job.