No Raise In Minimum Wage (Wave The B.S. Flags, It is Getting Deep)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate proposals to raise the minimum wage were rejected Wednesday, making it unlikely that the lowest allowable wage, $5.15 an hour since 1997, will rise in the foreseeable future.
A labor-backed measure by Sen. Edward Kennedy would have raised the minimum to $6.25 over an 18-month period. A Republican counterproposal would have combined the same $1.10 increase with various breaks and exemptions for small businesses.
He said it was "absolutely unconscionable" that in the same period that Congress has denied a minimum wage increase, lawmakers have voted themselves seven pay raises worth $28,000.
But Republican opponents, echoing the arguments of business groups, said higher minimum wages can work against the poor if they force small businesses to cut payrolls or go out of business.
Actually, I have to agree with the Teddy the Kook this time. I do find it somewhat crazy that the Senators felt they needed a cost of living adjustment every year (except this year with Katrina), yet they don’t think the minimum wage workers do?
Even the Republican measure that included breaks and incentives for the small businesses that would be “hurt” by an increase failed… I’m pretty confused here?
A labor-backed measure by Sen. Edward Kennedy would have raised the minimum to $6.25 over an 18-month period. A Republican counterproposal would have combined the same $1.10 increase with various breaks and exemptions for small businesses.
He said it was "absolutely unconscionable" that in the same period that Congress has denied a minimum wage increase, lawmakers have voted themselves seven pay raises worth $28,000.
But Republican opponents, echoing the arguments of business groups, said higher minimum wages can work against the poor if they force small businesses to cut payrolls or go out of business.
Actually, I have to agree with the Teddy the Kook this time. I do find it somewhat crazy that the Senators felt they needed a cost of living adjustment every year (except this year with Katrina), yet they don’t think the minimum wage workers do?
Even the Republican measure that included breaks and incentives for the small businesses that would be “hurt” by an increase failed… I’m pretty confused here?
