Support an increase of $1.50 in the
minimum wage
This is the Weekly Message from the UCC Justice and
Peace Ministry. Check their web site for more information. www.ucc.org.
[6-5-01]
While the US has enjoyed the longest period of economic growth in the
nation's history and the lowest unemployment rate in three decades, 11
million minimum wage workers and their families have been left behind.
The minimum hourly wage was increased to $4.75 in 1996 and to $5.15 in
1997. New legislation has been introduced to increase the minimum wage
to $6.65 an hour in three steps over the next two years.
The majority of minimum wage workers are adults who are trying to
support families on a meager $5.15 an hour. Many work two or even three
jobs, but still have to choose whether to buy medicine, pay the rent,
get school clothes for their children or repair their car.
Senator Kennedy and Representative Bonior have introduced the "Fair
Minimum Wage Act of 2001"which would increase the minimum wage by
$1.50 an hour.
Call your members of Congress this week and urge support for the
Kennedy-Bonior legislation without excessive tax breaks or other
amendments that would weaken important worker protections. People who
work full-time, full-year should not be living in poverty!
Capitol Hill switchboard: (202) 224-3121.
