Deomcrats have a special place in my heart
Washington D.C.
Democrats prepared to take control of both houses Today after spend the last 12 years squabbling to get a stronghold on congress. This is the first time Democrats controlled both houses since 1994. Disapproval of action in Iraq, and constant problems with lobbyists and scandals with the republican party have pushed voters to lean towards a more democratic approach.
Already planned are the 6 bills democrats wish to pass in their first 100 hours of work next week which pertain to the increase of minimum wage. Recently in Massachusetts, the minimum wage was raised from 6.75 an hour, to 7.50 an hour, creating much joy in strip malls and fast food joints across the state. However, Massachusetts, along with 17 other states, have had minimum wages much higher than the federal minimum wage that currently stands at a whopping 5.15 an hour.
Minimum wage has been a great concern in the federal government since the time of the depression. In 1912, Massachusetts set formed a commision for the establishment of non-compulsory minimum wages for women and children. Quickly after, The supreme court ruled that setting a minimum wage was unconstitutional, and interefered with employers abilities to freely negotiate a wage with their employees. The policy of minimum wage and fair pay was brought to the federal level when it was suggested to be at the rate of 25 cents an hour. In 1938 the Fair Labor Standards Act was passed which established minimum wage and protected the rights of children and blue collar workers.
During Bill Clintons presidency, he gave the states the power to set their own minimum wages that would surpass that of the federal wage. 18 states have chosen to do so as of April 2006. In many states though, people are struggling with only making 5.15 an hour. Democrats hope to solve this problem by increasing federal minimum wage to 7.25 an hour in steps over the span of 2 years. It is a serious matter that affects all americans, and is often overlooked by white-collar america. 1997 was the last time federal minimum wage was increased.
Democrats prepared to take control of both houses Today after spend the last 12 years squabbling to get a stronghold on congress. This is the first time Democrats controlled both houses since 1994. Disapproval of action in Iraq, and constant problems with lobbyists and scandals with the republican party have pushed voters to lean towards a more democratic approach.
Already planned are the 6 bills democrats wish to pass in their first 100 hours of work next week which pertain to the increase of minimum wage. Recently in Massachusetts, the minimum wage was raised from 6.75 an hour, to 7.50 an hour, creating much joy in strip malls and fast food joints across the state. However, Massachusetts, along with 17 other states, have had minimum wages much higher than the federal minimum wage that currently stands at a whopping 5.15 an hour.
Minimum wage has been a great concern in the federal government since the time of the depression. In 1912, Massachusetts set formed a commision for the establishment of non-compulsory minimum wages for women and children. Quickly after, The supreme court ruled that setting a minimum wage was unconstitutional, and interefered with employers abilities to freely negotiate a wage with their employees. The policy of minimum wage and fair pay was brought to the federal level when it was suggested to be at the rate of 25 cents an hour. In 1938 the Fair Labor Standards Act was passed which established minimum wage and protected the rights of children and blue collar workers.
During Bill Clintons presidency, he gave the states the power to set their own minimum wages that would surpass that of the federal wage. 18 states have chosen to do so as of April 2006. In many states though, people are struggling with only making 5.15 an hour. Democrats hope to solve this problem by increasing federal minimum wage to 7.25 an hour in steps over the span of 2 years. It is a serious matter that affects all americans, and is often overlooked by white-collar america. 1997 was the last time federal minimum wage was increased.
posted by Anonymous | 7:28 PM
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