Obama to act on minimum wage

[ProSense]

Obama to act on minimum wage

By Steve Benen

Raising the federal minimum wage should, in theory, be fairly easy. The policy enjoys overwhelming public support; economists have told policymakers an increase would give the economy a boost; and President Obama has made this a top policy priority.

But legislative efforts are stuck: congressional Republicans, many of whom are on record wanting to lower the minimum wage to zero, remain fiercely opposed to the measure and there’s no reason to think they’ll budge anytime soon.

The White House obviously can’t change federal law without Congress, but Obama has figured out how to give a whole lot of workers a raise – whether Republicans like it or not.

The president will raise the minimum wage for federal contractors to $10.10, NBC News has learned. He will announce the executive order during Tuesday’s State of the Union address.

This means that construction workers, the people who wash dishes on military bases, and janitors making less than $10.10 will see a wage hike.

To be sure, Obama still wants Congress to act and would sign a minimum-wage increase if it passes, but the president also has the ability to issue an executive order for federal contract workers.

- more -

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/obama-act-minimum-wage

[vi5]

1. He can use executive orders?

Wow. Who knew?

[ProSense]

3. Yes, for federal workers. n/t

[vi5]

4. Oh, o.k.

I was under the impression that he couldn't use executive orders for anything. Good to know.

[Sassysdad]

5. Actually...

for Federal Contractors.
To do regular Fed employees that would have to be approved by congress as budgetary items. The Pres can't unilaterally appropriate wages for non contract employees.

[ProSense]

6. Correct. Welcome to DU. n/t

[spanone]

2. k&r...

[ProSense]

7. Obama bypassing Congress to raise minimum wage for federal contract workers

Obama bypassing Congress to raise minimum wage for federal contract workers
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/01/28/1273054/-Obama-bypassing-Congress-to-raise-minimum-wage-for-federal-contract-workers