Two attempts to raise minimum wage, DEFEATED!

[crazytimes]

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Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy proposed an increase in the minimum wage up to $7.25 as an amendment to the current bankruptcy bill being debated in Congress. It would bea $2.10 increase over 26 months.

Republican Senator Rick Santorum (PA) is proposed an increase up to $6.25. It would be a $1.10 increase over 18 months. His plan had other provisions including changing overtime pay to bi-weekly instead of weekly; someone could work 50 hours in one week and 30 hours in the next and the employer would not have to pay them overtime, unless they work more than 80 hours in TWO weeks. Another provision would eliminate any minimum wage for waitresses/waitors, as long as they make tips in the amount up to the minimum wage.

From 1997 to 2005, Senate salaries have increased from $133,600 to $162,100. Why is it then, that our Congress cannot come together and raise the minimum wage?

I find it said that Senator Santorum could not propose an honest change to the minimum wage. Why can't it be a minimum wage increase, no strings attatched. I just don't understand ANY logical reason for changing the way overtime is calculated from 40 hours in one week to 80 hours in two weeks. Is it suddenly a problem?

While I do not believe that it is necessary to raise the minimum wage for minors (unless they are emancipated), I feel raising the minimum wage for adults is long overdue.

And if I may be so bold, I propose that Senate salaries be FROZEN and remain FROZEN until the minimum wage is increased.

[crystlevase]

arial black

I agree with you. This is not a good thing for the hard working Americans in this Country. It is easy for the Goverment to take away from us. But if we could just take it away from them ,What would they do about it?
Some how the people in this Country should have a vote also on this subject.
Looks to me like we get shafted,drafted and at.........

[bobbcat]

As obscene as the self-appointed pay raises Congress regularly assigns itself for its benefit, I fail to see a reasonable rationale for dictating to business what it is to pay its employees. You raise the minimum wage, and business will respond by streamlining (read eliminate jobs) and raising the prices it charges for its goods. This is a recipe for a win-win? I think not. No matter the cause, if business encounters an increased cost of doing business, it will pass that cost onto the consumer. People forget this to their peril.