Clinton Considers Another Minimum-Wage Hike
White House says the idea is 'being looked at,' but no decision yet
WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, Jan. 12) -- The Clinton Administration is considering proposing a new increase in the $5.15-an-hour minimum wage over likely Republican opposition.
"It's being looked at," Press Secretary Mike McCurry said. "I
don't think there's been any decision at all one way or the
other."
Two years ago, a deeply divided Congress raised the minimum wage by 90 cents an hour in two steps: from $4.25 to $4.75 an hour Oct. 1, 1996, and to $5.15 an hour on Sept. 1, 1997.
Republicans opposed the last increase and suggested a variety of compromise "training wage" proposals and small-business exemptions. But supporters said Congress needed to boost the minimum wage to keep up with inflation.
Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) wants to raise the $5.15-an-hour wage to $7.25, in stages over the next five years.
McCurry said the most recent increases still left the minimum wage with less buying power than it had 20 years ago.
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