http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7003904086House Panel Approves Minimum Wage Hike
June 14, 2006 3:00 a.m. EST
Yvonne Lee - All Headline News Staff Reporter
Washington, DC (AHN) -
A House panel unexpectedly approves an increase in the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25.
The Associated Press reports that if the hike is pushed through, it would be the first increase
in a decade.
The Appropriations Committee proposed the hike as an amendment to a bill to fund health and education programs.
However, it is likely to be striken when it is debated on the House floor.
Rep. Howard McKeon, R-Calif., says he will take the provision out of the bill when it gets
to the floor as the panel does not have jurisdiction over the issue.
Seven Republicans on the Appropriations panel joined Democrats to approve the wage hike, 32-27.
A study by the Center for Economic and Policy Research says the $5.15 an hour minimum wage is
the lowest its been in 50 years, when adjusted for inflation. Rep. George Miller, D-Calif.,
says, "The minimum wage is lower than it has been at any time since 1956...
Congress' refusal to raise the minimum wage shows an utter disrespect for millions of Americans
who work hard every day and still struggle to meet even the most basic needs."
Republicans argue that increasing the wage would lead to inflation and job losses.
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