Washington, D.C. – Representative Heath Shuler voted to give a raise to millions of
hardworking Americans and their families today by raising the federal minimum wage to
$7.25 over two years. Rep. Shuler was an original cosponsor of H.R. 2, the bill to raise
the minimum wage for the first time in ten years. It passed with tremendous bi-partisan
support 315-116
“For ten years American working families have been getting squeezed,” said Rep. Shuler.
They are paying more at the gas pump. They are paying more for child care, and they are
paying more for health care. It is time for them to be paid more. The passage of this bill is
a real victory for Western North Carolina working families.”
The bipartisan bill raises the minimum wage to $5.85, 60 days after enactment; to $6.55,
one year later; and to $7.25, one year after that. This would mean an additional $4,400
per year for a family of three, equaling 15 months of groceries, or over two years of
health care – helping them to keep up with rising costs.
According to a recent study by the Economic Policy Institute the current minimum wage
has the lowest real dollar value in 51 years. Studies have also shown that states with
minimum wages above the federal level show faster levels of small business and retail
job growth.
As of January 1, 2007, twenty-eight states, including North Carolina have a state
minimum wage above the current federal level.
“It is shameful that over the past decade members of Congress have given themselves
thousands of dollars in pay raises, while ignoring the needs of our poorest workers. By
passing this bill we are helping millions of Americans raise their standard of living and
provide better lives for their families,” Rep. Shuler concluded.
###
Download: Congressman Heath Shuler Helps Working Families by Raising the Minimum Wage
