The latest from the Episcopal Public Policy Network:
Just before members of Congress left Washington for their August recess, there was a flicker of hope for an increase in the Federal Minimum Wage which was quickly extinguished by political gamesmanship. The minimum wage increase was attached to several other controversial measures, and ultimately they all failed.
For ten long years, Congress has raised its own pay but failed to pass an increase in the Federal Minimum Wage – shocking when one realizes that a full-time worker earning the $5.15 minimum wage makes only $10,700 annually – that is $6,000 below the poverty line. Due to inflation, today’s $5.15 minimum wage is lower in value than the minimum wage in 1950.
Tell Congress it is not OK to use the Minimum Wage to play political games – they need to address the minimum wage on its own merits.
YOUR VOICE is critical over the August Recess. Right now your Senators and Representative are at home – within easy reach of their constituents. Contact your Senators and Representatives – make an appointment with them, or attend a town hall or other public meeting where they will be speaking – urge them to raise the Federal Minimum Wage before the end of the 109th Congress.
To send an email message to your Senators and Representatives click here.