WAMC New York News
(2006-06-28)
Hillary Rodham Clinton
A bill proposed by U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton would tie congressional pay raises with a hike in the minimum wage. The bill would require the wage to increase at the same rate as congressional salaries.
Congress hasn't rasied the minimum wage, which currently sites at $5.15/hour, since 1997. In the same time frame, congressional salaries have gone up by $31,600.
Senator Clinton says congress sends a bad message to low-wage workers when it raises its own salary without raising the minimum wage. Clinton says she has the support of her party.
"We, as Democrats, will block a congressional pay raise until congress increases the minimum wage...I urge Republicans to join us," said Clinton.
Clinton says she would like to see the federal wage increased to $7.25/hour, a level that could help lift individuals and families out of poverty.
"We all know that the real value to the minimum wage has eroded, while costs have skyrocketed...15.5 million Americans would benefit from a minimum wage increase," Clinton said.
New York State's minimum wage is currently $6.75/hour. © Copyright 2012, wned
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Flickr