(
Forgive if this has already been diaried, my computer today is a bit cranky so I haven't been able to keep up.) Sen. Reid is making good on his promise to focus on real issues while the Republicans chase wedge issues, today keeping the minimum wage front and center.
On
CNN.com this morning:
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A week after the GOP-led Senate rejected an increase to the minimum wage, Senate Democrats on Tuesday vowed to block pay raises for members of Congress until the minimum wage is increased.
"We're going to do anything it takes to stop the congressional pay raise this year, and we're not going to settle for this year alone," Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada said at a Capitol news conference.
Reid wouldn't spell out the specific tactics he would employ to block the congressional pay raise -- which is triggered each year with the passage of an appropriations bill not by a vote on a stand alone bill to increase pay for members.
But he warned, "I know procedures around here fairly well."
A press release issued by Senator Reid's office and dated today states: Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) vowed today that Congress won't get a raise until it approves a raise for workers in Nevada and across America.
This is exactly what I believe the national Democrats need to do to take back Congress -- stand up to the bullying tactics of the Radical Right Republicans, and keep their eyes on what's important to the American people.
The press release goes on to say:
The federal minimum wage has not been increased since 1997. Since that time, members of Congress have granted themselves $31,600 in pay raises.
"This is a matter of fairness," said Reid. "The work of minimum wage workers in Nevada is just as valuable as the work of Congress. I think Congress should earn its raise by putting America's workers first."
Over on the House side, the Repubs already blocked a vote on the issue. The House Dems have an issue statement up on the HouseDemocrats.gov website that says:
At $5.15 per hour, the minimum wage is now at its lowest level in 50 years, adjusted for inflation. A minimum wage earner working full-time all year will earn just $10,700, well below the poverty line.
...
Democrats have legislation to raise the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour over two years. At least 7.3 million people would benefit from this raise, including 1.8 million parents with children.
...
An overwhelming 86 percent of Americans support a raise in the minimum wage. ... The minimum wage should be a living wage, and $5.15 an hour does not meet that standard.
Wonderful sentiments, now we just need them to stand with their Senate colleagues to bring to bear the people's wishes on the House Repubs as well.