Where's the Minimum Wage Increase?

Since 1997, the minimum wage in the United States has remained at $5.15 per hour. As the minimum wage has remained the same, prices for goods and services (food, gas, childcare, etc.) have skyrocketed to their highest levels in history, making it difficult for American families to make ends meet. Congress has failed to deal with this causing many states to pass minimum wage increases within their state assemblies.

In the current session of the North Carolina General Assembly legislatures passed a 19 billion dollar budget that brought wage increases for teachers and state employees. I believe the budget passed by the legislature to be a very good piece of public policy that specifically dealt with needs facing the Tar Heel State minus one important group, the working poor.

There was debate over raising the minimum wage to $6.15 per hour. State Treasure Richard Moore pushed hard for this legislation. Raising the minimum wage isnt just an economic decision, but is a moral decision that defines a society's value of work and responsibility. It is inconceivable that our state should allow those who work 40 hours per week to earn a paycheck that doesn't raise them above the poverty level.

Despite all the attacks from business and conservative groups on the negative effects of raising the minimum wage, research shows that minimum wage increases benefit the economy. When low-wage workers have more money they spend money in their communities. This generates extra revenues for private business allowing them to higher more workers.

A minimum wage increase is overdue at the national level, but because of the reckless disregard in understanding the lives of working families by Republicans in Congress, states are having to act. I call for the NC legislature to make one more good policy decision before ending the legislative session. Pass a minimum wage increase for Tar Heel workers and families.

http://www.ncfairwages.org/index.htm