Should the federal minimum wage be linked to Congressional pay raises?
608962
I think she did this to make a point that members of Congress have no problem voting themselves pay raises, but will scream that the economy will collapse if minimum wage is increased. \n\nThe better idea is to raise minimum wage with the cost of living so it does not erode further and stays in step with the economy.
404086
The BK is right.  Under Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution, "The President, shall, at stated times receive for his services, a compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the period for which he shall have been elected ..."\n\nClinton signed legislation in 1999 to double the salary to 400k.  But under that Article, it wouldn't take effect until the next term or Bush's 1st year.  Congress is the only one that can raise salaries.
1175660
I think it is because they tend to be more greedy, they just voted themselves a pay raise but it don't look like they will pass a raise in the minimum wage. It has been a decade since the minimum wage has been raised.
1059180
Yes, I do.  The government expects people to survive so pay wages that we can survive on!  When I was in the 9th grade, minimum wage went from $3.85 to $4.25.  I've seen it rise slowly since, & I believe it's about $6.75 here in California.  You can't live on that, even if 2 parents are working for the same amount, especially after taxes.
960022
Everyone making minimum wage will get a pay increase.  Some companies may compensate those who are making above minimum wage, but it's really, really rare.\n\n(When I was working in St. Charles, I was making $5.50/hr.  When the minimum wage increased to $5.15, my supervisor said that I wasn't making too much.  But my co-worker was originally making $5.18, but complained and threaten to quit.  So the supervisor gave him a $0.30 pay raise.)
702426
Pro:  The minimum wage ensures that mentally disabled/challenged workers are not legally taken advantage of, in terms of pay.\n\nCon:  The economic value of a job is not changed by the minimum wage.  Raising the minimum wage simply raises the prices of goods & services (inflation) and increases the attractiveness of foreign outsourcing.\n\nThe minimun wage is a great campaign issue because most voters want/expect a raise.  In reality, it is a worthless promise of increased wealth.  In relative, inflation adjusted terms, the minimum wage earners will still be poor and have the same buying power.
452667
There's really no such thing (unless you are talking about the federal minimum wage, which is, I believe, $5.15/hour).  The market determines the wages, which can fluctuate widely depending upon specialization, employer, and area of the country.
427782
I would say that anytime is the right time. At least, anytime since 1996, the last time they rose minimum wage. \n\nThe economy has really that boost since post 9/11 though. History shows that a rise in minimum wage have increased consumer spending power and overall, improved middle class financial responsibility by promoting personal savings.\n\nWith elections coming up for many political positions very soon, I actually think that minimum wage may become a plank in many candidates platforms. It is on a lot of people's minds. I think that it is really needed.
1154515
The poor would be able to drive to work again...they might be able to get a tank of gas....too bad congress didn't think they needed it..they gave a tax break to the top 3% wealthiest families in America the same day the turned down a raise in minimum wage and the raise was only to $6 anyway...
26078
Ironically, the United States passed the 27th Amendment in 1992, a leftover from the original Bill of Rights, which was intended to curb pay raise abuses in Congress.  It stipulates that any pay raise cannot go into effect until the next term.  Since an overwhelming number of congressmen are incumbents and constantly re-elected, this provision is rather meaningless.\n\nIn 1989, Congress approved an automatic cost-of-living increase each year that can only be stopped if Congress chooses to reject it.  Conveniently, Congress has refused to reject it yet.\n\nIf citizens complained more loudly to their representatives, they may be able to change the spending habits of Congress.  Unfortunately, this matter is just another one of a long list of matters that people complain about and later forget, meaning that Congress can continue to vote for pay increases without any political ramifications.\n\nI've linked a couple of interesting articles from some fiscally conservative organizations, The Cato Institute and Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW), regarding this matter.
698925
This is a difficult question... \nFirst min. Wage was enacted to be a living wage which it was at first. If it had kept up with inflation it would be well over $12 an hour( I did an upper level paper on this and I have a degree in Labor studies) The problem is while the cost of labor has really only risen a small percentage the cost of the same goods that could be obtained with that salary is now out of reach. so min wage needs to be raised.    Min. Wage is supposed to be a living wage and can be raised by individual states the Federal government just sets a rock bottom minimum.\n$5-6 dollar an hour jobs cannot support an economy.... It is kind of a snow ball effect.. .\nThe problem is people skilled or unskilled are fighting over any jobs that pay a living wage... There should be  a salary gap for skilled workers but our economy is leaning the other direction.
496197
Yes our Legislative Branch not only can raise there own pay, but they also set up their own retirement and health benefits.  They have the best set up when it comes to retirement as they will receive full pay for life and also as a consolation be allowed to keep all money left in their campaign funds and depending on the politician this can be a bonus of a few million dollars.  Tom Delay just resigned his seat and has $1.5 Million in his campaign that he will now have for legal fees.  You probably will remember that the Clinton's had several million raised on their behalf just for legal fees due to the Whitewater Dealings and Scandals relating to it.  Yes our legislator's have the ability to carry out being corrupt to the max.  However not all take advantage of this.  I had a Congresswoman that once told me that she returned the portion of her check that was the raise until after the new election, then she would accept it because her constituents had re-elected her knowing the wage she was to be paid, however she took no new raises until after a new election.  She was not alone in this and we should commend those who follow this rule instead of just being in the line that takes and takes.
438990
It is very unlikely that an increase in minimum wage would create employment growth.  Labor is subject to the same supply and demand equation as any other commodity.  Raise the price of labor, lower the demand.  One would ordinarily expect an increase in minimum wage to result in a decrease in employment, especially among the least paid workers.
411383
Current minimum wage is 5.15/hour. There is nothing in Texas pending. On the federal level, there were 2 proposals last year. The Democratic proposal would have raised it to 7.25/hour; this effort was led by Ted Kennedy. The Republican proposal would have raised it to 6.25/hour; this effort was led by Sen Rick Santorum. These were to be added to the bankruptcy law last year but both of these were defeated.
1036156
I saw in the News yesterday a refusal to a proposal to raise the minimum wage, which is currently 5.15 (Dollars) an hour. It is the National min. wage. Sorry to tell you this.
1077573
Personally, I think the Republicans who voted against the minimum wage should be forced to live on it for a few months and then see if they want to change their vote.\n\nYes, CEO's should have a salary cap and not be given a "golden parachute" when they exit the company. It would help the airline industry too.
867552
harsh way of raising the question.\n\nI think it is a given that Bush will veto a minimum wage increase, unless it is tied somehow to a bill that gives pork to his corporate friends. Politics as usual.