Does it bother you that the Congress have given themselves $30,000 in wage increases since they last increased
969710
what good does the increase in min wage do?  the cost will be passed on to the consumers which puts the people back in min wage in the same boat.  I agree raises for govt is wrong but the whole Idea of min wage is outdated.  Simple economics shows this is a sick cycle that has to stop.
568181
Why did you vote for a Republican that used triple digit inflation as a tax? So think about what your saying, $300.00 dollars in a tax break, was given back to them in a week. All of that theory is a joke, for people that pay their own way in this world.
997650
Definitely.  the current minimum wage pays a worker around $200 for a 40-hour week.  Unless you're eating dog food, you can't live on that little money.  And there are millions of Americans who do their best.\n\nBut Congress doesn't care about poor people, so they refuse to allow them to earn a wage they can actually live on.  It's disgusting, the way the government craps on the very people who need their help the most.
410214
Yes, the typical COLA increase is 3.5%. Some organizations link it to inflation, so it could vary (1-4%). It does put into perspective the "typical" raises the most employers give, where the range is usually (0-5%). If you recieve a 3-4% increase in the past few years, chances are that your purchase power is actually declning. The average housing and transportation (and healthcare) costs have increased 5-15% per year, so a 3% raise would mean that you would be farther away from your dream of being able to buy that house, or afford a car. Now I must go and cry myself to sleep...
911158
According to this article Senators make about $165k plus benefits (which I'm sure are MANY). \n\nI love how they get to elect their own payraises. If only they would do that for the military...this Jan we're getting the lowest pay raise in history. I think it's less than 2%.\n\nhttp://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/aa031200a.htm
646463
No, but an increase in wages would increase the costs of many goods and services depending on how labor intensive they are. So that would offset the increase by a good portion. I personally think that increasing it based on personal preformance is a better adjustment to make.
147488
It was as of January 1. Medicare increased but so did the income. Maybe you just didn't notice it.
1121112
If you are referring to an increase in the minimum wage, It's long overdue. Some conservatives argue that purely economy-driven wages would be better, but those of us that know about corporate evil know that McDonalds would pay $2.00 an hour if it could get away with it.\n\nI'm a conservative, but a realistic one.
895874
I think dems and reps alike all realize it's time for min wage to adjust to the current inflation-it's not really a political issue-it's more common economics-
333766
well it just recently got over the price of milk, I don't think its high.  It has how ever been vary cheep for years so the increase seams like alot.\n\noh and it makes bush look bad so the left will jump on it and milk it for everything they can, don't forget politics is in everything
816606
While I am overwhelmed with glee that we have taken back the House as well as the Senate. I am also glad that we will soon be working to fix the budget, However I must say this, " A substantial tax increase will be necessary to overcome this enormous debt the Republican party has put us in!" I just love it when those Republicans Say " Those dirty democrats will raise your taxes" After of course the Republicans have spent every damn dollar we had and somehow managed to funnel it back to their own bank accounts. Maybe the democrats wouldn't have to raise taxes every damn time they got in office if those Dumb @$$ Republicans would stop giving ridiculously huge tax breaks to the wealthy and stop spending like there is no tomorrow. So far I have yet to read in history where a republican balanced the budget, they always leave office with a huge deficit. Then a democrat takes over, raises taxes ( because they don't have a choice) and all the Republicans go " SEE,SEE, WE TOLD YOU SO!"\n\nHey Republicans, \n  Somebody has to pay the bills or the lights get turned off!
948005
None of my KIDS made minimum wage when they had summer jobs, so it will only affect us when prices go up because companies have to pay their workers more.\n\n**they made more than the MW
678017
Dear _______\n\nI have enjoyed working for you the past 4 years.  I have gained much knowledge and experience.  In that time I have been a loyal employee and have a good record of employment with you.\n\nMy current rate of pay is $_________ per _____.  I have not had a raise since _______.  During that time, my expenses for gas, and mileage have continued to increase, so it costs me more to do the same work for you as before.\n\nI am asking for a cost of living wage increase.  I think $_______ is reasonable.  That is only a ______% increase from what I am making now.  It is in line with what other companies are paying to someone working with my experience.\n\nThank you in advance for responding quickly to my request.\n\nI am available to discuss this in your office at your earliest convenience.\n\nSincerely,\n\nYour Faithful Employee
480138
Republicans have never ever increased minimum wage, and I don't look for that to change any time soon. That's the whole purpose of their politics. High inflation and very low wages. So how do you like Republicans now, it took America 5 years of the Clinton Administration to pay back the costs of George Bush seniors Presidency. That was the purpose of balancing the budget to bring interests rates down and deflate the cost of the dollar. Republicans hate that; because they would rather do nothing and make fortunes by just raising the inflation rate Example: Gasoline which effects ever thing else, or say cigarettes or Alcohol. It's false inflation caused by them.
875872
coming from someone who is in a labor union i would say that if minimum wage goes up than our wages would go up as well because they use minimum wage as kind of a baseline to gauge all other wages. but im not really sure just a guess.
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.
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.