FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 10, 2007

LARSON SUPPORTS LIVING WAGE FOR WORKING AMERICANS
Votes to raise minimum wage over two years

WASHINGTON � U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-1) today voted in favor of H.R. 2, the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007. Larson is also an original cosponsor of H.R. 2.

�Democrats pledged to pass legislation to increase the federal minimum wage during the first 100 hours of the 110th Congress,� stated Larson. �This vote sends the message that this Congress will be committed to America�s working families. While the previous Congress passed tax cuts for the wealthiest few, millions struggled to deal with gas prices, education costs, saving for retirement, and paying for healthcare. This vote today is a step towards ensuring that every American is able to earn a living wage.�

The minimum wage has remained at $5.15 an hour since 1997, its lowest level in over fifty years adjusted for inflation. H.R. 2 would increase the federal minimum wage to $7.25 an hour over two years. It passed by a vote of 315 to 116.

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