U.S. Congressman David Scott : 13th District Of Georgia

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Labor & Employment

Raising the Minimum Wage
One of my first votes in the 110th Congress was to increase the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 over a two-year period. I did so because I strongly believe our most vulnerable workers deserved a living wage that supports them and their families. In Georgia alone, raising the minimum wage would benefit over 670,000 workers

In terms of 1996 dollars, when the minimum wage was last raised, inflation made the $5.15 minimum wage only worth $4.04 to American families. In late May, I was pleased to again vote for legislation that was signed into law, which will raise the federal minimum wage. Effective July 24th the federal minimum wage was increased by 70 cents to $5.85. Next July, it will be increased by 70 cents again and in July 2009, the wage will reach $7.25

Passing the Employee Free Choice Act

I supported this bill because it is an important step in leveling the playing field for workers who seek a better quality of life for themselves and their families. This legislation offers the opportunity for both card-check majority selection and secret-ballot elections for workers. Labor participation has declined dramatically over the last several years, as have real wages for workers and the middle class in general. Studies show that union employees benefit from higher wages, increased access to health care, pension and disability benefits as well as personal leave

The National Labor Relations Board has allowed employers too much power in stalling the process by using prolonged, intimidating and coercive anti-union campaigns in anticipation of union elections. In fact, in 2005 alone, more than 30,000 employees received back pay due to unlawful employer behavior

Workforce Development

I remain committed to supporting programs so that many of our at-risk youth stay out of trouble and receive important job skills. I have long supported programs funded through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), a law that provides funding for job placement, training services, vocational education and literacy. WIA also supports Job Corps, a program that concurrently provides vocational training, housing and other activities for young adults in Atlanta and all across the country.

This year, I have sent letters to the leadership of the Committee on Appropriations to request increased funding for JobCorps, as well as YouthBuild, which offers a full-time, non-residential program offering at-risk youth a productive role rebuilding their communities by constructing housing. Students attend class half-time, and then learn construction trade skills by building low-income housing. Many programs offer G.E.D. opportunities as well.

I have also sent a letter requesting restoring funding for career and technical education programs under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. President Bush’s budget once again cuts the Perkins Act entirely. Unlike job training programs through JobCorps and YouthBuild, career and technical education programs are in the traditional secondary school setting and remain an important area of education for individuals who may not pursue a traditional liberal arts education.