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For Immediate Release: Monday, March 7, 2005

contact: Carlos Vogel 202-339-9316 cvogel@communitychange.org

Anything Less than an Increase to $7.25 is Unacceptable

(Washington, DC) “Today’s vote on the federal minimum wage is long overdue,” said Deepak Bhargava, executive director of the Center for Community Change. “It is critical that legislation passes to increase the minimum wage, currently set so low that our nation’s lowest paid workers can not afford adequate housing anywhere in this country.

"Over the past eight years, members of Congress have raised their own pay seven times. Yet not once have they approved an increase for minimum wage workers, whose salaries -- at $10,700 a year -- sit thousands of dollars below the poverty level for a family of three."

"Costs are increasing all around us. Millions of families are struggling to afford childcare, healthcare and other basic needs. And President Bush’s proposed budget, which drastically cuts social programs that many minimum wage earners rely on, simply underscores the urgency of a minimum wage increase."

"Anything less than an increase to $7.25, which Senator Edward Kennedy is proposing, is unacceptable. Senator Kennedy’s amendment would help 5.5 million more workers than Senator Santorum’s proposed increase to $6.25. An additional dollar increase can provide a family with six more months of food, and a year and a half of childcare."

"Congress must redeem its years of shameful inaction on this issue. Further inaction can no longer be tolerated."

The Actions Speak Louder campaign, led by the Center for Community Change, is an effort to hold President Bush accountable for his budget decisions and the priorities they reflect. The campaign will raise awareness, spark grassroots action and start a dialogue with people in ‘red’ states as to whether the President’s budget reflects the moral values he espouses. To see what’s at stake, visit www.ActionsSpeakLouder.org

© 2005 The Center for Community Change

1000 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 342-0519 | info@communitychange.org