A remarkable thing happened this week. Americans all across the country got a pay raise. Now to some, an extra 70 cents may not sound like much. But when you take into account the two 70 cent increases to follow in July 2008 and July 2009, adding up to a total of $2.10 an hour, you get $4,400 a year. And for many hard-working West Virginian families, that's more than pocket change. But that's not all. What is truly remarkable is that the minimum wage was increased at all. It has been 10 long years since American working families have seen an increase in the federal minimum wage -- the longest gap in our nation's history. When adjusted for inflation, the federal minimum was at its lowest level in 50 years.

As President Kennedy was fond of saying, "a rising tide lifts all boats." A fair federal minimum wage makes everyone's life better -- from girls and boys working to put themselves through school, to moms and dads trying to feed their kids, to retirees who rely on a little extra income. Eighty five percent of Americans agree that this increase in the federal minimum wage was long overdue. But there is still much to be done.

As a former small businessman, I know that small businesses are the backbone of our economy and any legislation that benefits them will benefit each and every West Virginian. I recognize that we need small business employees to keep these businesses up and running smoothly because small business entrepreneurs are the drivers of our economy - they represent 99 percent of all employers, account for half of our gross domestic product, and create three out of every four new jobs nationwide.

That is why I recently voted for $1.3 billion in small business tax cuts, as well as a package of legislation that will help modernize and simplify several key small business programs to better serve West Virginia's entrepreneurs. I am especially proud of legislation geared toward helping veterans, women, and seniors access the tools they need to start and operate their own firms.

I often praise the progress West Virginia is making through the combined efforts of transportation, technology, and tourism. The secret to this success is the partnership between workers and small businesses. West Virginia's industrious workers are building needed roads and highways and laying cable for vital technology and telecommunications services. By doing this important work, they are improving the infrastructure of our State and giving our citizens more opportunities to prosper.

Today's world is not about supporting either workers or business. It is about workers and communities partnering with businesses of all sizes. Most importantly, it is about responsible leaders working together to improve the quality of life for all Americans.

This week, as the first minimum wage increase in ten years kicks in across the country, I am proud to have joined my colleagues in the 110th Congress in this initial concrete step toward an agenda that aims to help workers and small business owners alike. I am gratified to be helping to grow our economy, create new jobs, and usher in a renewed era of prosperity for West Virginia.