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Jan 10, 2007- Kaptur Adds Her Support to House Bill To Raise the Federal Minimum Wage |
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Representative Marcy Kaptur spoke out and voted in favor of raising the
federal minimum wage to $7.25 an hour over the next two years. Congresswoman
Kaptur noted that the Economic Policy Institute has concluded that the real
value of the minimum wage has reached its lowest level in 51 years.
Late this afternoon, the House voted 315-116 in favor of the bill.
Approximately 13 million Americans would enjoy a higher standard of living and
increased purchasing power as a result of raising the minimum wage.
"Raising the minimum wage gives value again to the ethic of work itself,"
Congresswoman Kaptur said. "This is a working women's issue and also a
children's issue."
In comments on the House floor, Kaptur framed the issue as one of value.
"What about someone who bathes and cares for elderly patients? Are they
worth seven dollars and twenty five cents an hour? How about the people who
clean the bathrooms at the political conventions? Is their work worth seven
dollars and twenty five cents an hour? What about the people who care for
three-year-olds at child care centers across our country? What about people who
carry heavy trayloads of dishes and feed people in our restaurants? Are they
worth seven dollars and twenty five cents an hour?"
The legislation now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Last November, Ohio
voters overwhelmingly approved an increase in the state minimum wage to $6.85
an hour, effective Jan. 1, 2007.
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