Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Democrats Fight To Raise Minimum Wage, Republicans Fight To Give Themselves A Raise...Need a more vivid illustration of the differences between Democrats and Republicans?
Democrats in the House and Senate want the $5.15-per-hour federal minimum wage, in place since 1997, to rise in 70-cent increments to $7.25 by January 1, 2009.To be fair, 8 Senate Republicans did vote last week to raise the minimum wage for the first time in almost 10 years.
In arguing for the minimum-wage increase, Democrats are emphasizing that salaries for members of Congress have risen $31,600 during the time the minimum wage has been frozen.
They complain that rising costs for gasoline, utilities, education and food have taken a chunk out of minimum-wage paychecks, which sometimes have to support entire families.
Republicans in Congress have blocked numerous attempts to raise the minimum wage, saying it would backfire by causing small businesses to hire fewer entry-level workers.
But with Republican control of the House and Senate uncertain after the November congressional elections, some moderate Republicans have been joining with Democrats to support a minimum-wage increase.
It's just a shame that 46 of their fellow GOP'ers disagreed.
That includes you, Lil' Ricky...
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