It's time to raise the minimum wage!

In session
July 2006

Bishops call for comprehensive immigration reform
It's time to raise the minimum wage!

Fair wages support families:
It's time to raise the minimum wage!
(A legislative alert courtesy of NETWORK: A Catholic lobby)

June saw more activity to raise the federal minimum wage. While the House amendment that passed committee has not yet made it to the floor, an amendment to the Senate defense appropriations bill by Senator Kennedy obtained a majority vote 52-46. Though this effort to raise the minimum wage to $7.25/hour over two years was eight votes short of the 60 needed for approval under budget rules, it sends a clear message. Getting majority support for this amendment was a credit to you, our members, and your advocacy. We thank you for your letters, phone calls and e-mails—they do work!

If your senators supported the Kennedy amendment, let them know you appreciate their vote.

NETWORK realizes that $7.25 is NOT a living wage; however, we believe this is the first step toward working for a living wage. Raising the minimum wage to $7.25 would benefit an estimated 7.3 million workers, 72.1 percent of whom are adults and 60.5 percent of whom are women. Meanwhile, many states have recognized the need for living wages and taken matters into their own hands. Minimum wage increases have been passed recently in 21 states. We encourage you to participate in living wage campaigns at the local as well as the national level!

Please also continue to urge your senators and representative to support a minimum wage increase! Send them an e-mail!

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