January 10, 2007
H.R. 2 Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 - Action Alert From NASW Government Relations Office
Reason: Call your respective Representatives at the Capitol Switchboard (1-800-459-1887), and urge them to vote for the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 (H.R.2) without tax concessions for business and no provisions which would decimate worker rights. A vote could occur January 10, 2007.
Issue: During the initial 100 legislative hours of the 110th Congress, House Democratic leaders have pledged to work with their colleagues to pass key bills affecting the everyday lives of all Americans. One of these bills (H.R.2) would help up to 13 million Americans and their families by increasing the minimum wage. This bipartisan measure would increase the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour over two years.
Legislative Intent: The long history of increases in the federal minimum wage has been basically bipartisan. Enacted by Franklin Roosevelt in 1938, Republicans and Democrats (including Dwight Eisenhower in 1955) have voted for an increase in the minimum wage since the Roosevelt Administration. According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, raising the minimum wage would provide an additional $4,400 per year for a family of three, equaling 15 months of groceries, or over two years of health care – helping them to keep up with rising costs. A minimum wage increase is especially imperative at a time when America’s families have seen their real income drop by almost $1,300 since 2000, while the costs of health insurance, gasoline, home heating, and attending college have increased by almost $5,000 annually. NASW believes that H.R.2 will appreciably affect the quality of life for women, children, minorities, and families across this great nation by providing meaningful wages that offset poverty levels.
Social Work Action: The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is vigorously committed to the alleviation of poverty for women, children, minorities, and families throughout America. Sixty-three percent of those who receive the minimum wage are women; while forty percent of those individuals who earn the minimum wage are men and women of color. The Economic Policy Institute states that the minimum wage has not increased in more than nine years – the longest period in the history of the law. During that time, however, Members of Congress have received a $31,600 pay raise. The real value of the minimum wage has plummeted to its lowest level in 51 years. Increasing the minimum wage has broad bipartisan and popular support as evidenced by 89 percent of Americans approving of a wage enhancement in a recent poll. Meanwhile, another poll showed that 72 percent of Republicans support the minimum wage increase. NASW contends that it is wrong to have millions of Americans working full-time and year-round while still residing in poverty. At $5.15 an hour, a full-time minimum wage worker brings home $10,712 a year – nearly $6,000 below the poverty level for a family of three. An increase in the minimum wage will aid the neediest Americans who encounter serious economic challenges and adverse quality of life issues. NASW asserts that a fair increase in the minimum wage is long overdue. Please call your Representatives and encourage them to support H.R.2.
Contact: NASW Lobbyist Lawrence Moore, III at 202-336-8289
Thank you for your advocacy!
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