Weekly Address: Time for Congress to Raise the Minimum Wage for the American People

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Source: White House

In this week's address, President Obama highlighted the momentum building across the country to give Americans a raise and reiterated his call for Congress to increase the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10. The President has already signed an executive order to raise the minimum wage for people working under new federal contracts. Companies large and small are choosing to give workers a raise because they know it's good business. And Governors across the country are answering the President's call by working to raise their states' minimum wages. Now, it's time for Congress to get the job done and restore opportunity for all Americans by raising the minimum wage to "ten-ten."

Read more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2014/03/08/weekly-address-time-congress-raise-minimum-wage-american-people

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(snip)
A clear majority of Americans support raising the minimum wage, because we believe that nobody who works full-time should have to live in poverty. About half of all Republicans support raising the minimum wage, too. It’s just too bad they don’t serve in Congress. Because the Republicans who do serve in Congress don’t want to vote on the minimum wage at all. Some even want to get rid of it completely. Seriously.

That’s why what business leaders and everyday Americans are doing to raise wages is so important. Because change doesn’t come from Washington – change comes to Washington. I’ve always believed that, and it’s true in this case, too. Outside Washington, Americans are ready to put aside old political arguments and move this country forward. The American people are way ahead of Congress on this issue, and we’ve just got to let Congress know that. It’s time for “ten-ten.” It’s time to give America a raise. And it’s time to restore opportunity for all.


http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/03/07/weekly-address-time-congress-raise-minimum-wage-american-people

[Shemp Howard]

1. I just don't understand.

I'm confused (again). The President is - rightfully - calling for a minimum wage increase. But back in 2009 and 2010, the Democrats had the Presidency, the House, and a fillibuster-proof Senate.

Why wasn't the minimum wage raised back then?

P.S. I do know that the minimum wage was increased in 2009. That was part of a law passed in 2007. Why was nothing more attempted in 2009 or 2010?

[BumRushDaShow]

4. The Senate was only "filibuster proof" for a couple months.

Not for years like some on DU keep insisting.

[Uben]

2. Do we really want to raise it?

Let's follow the logical conclusion of what will happen if wages are raised.

People make more money and then spend it boosting the economy. Businesses make more money and hire more workers, who make more money and buy more stuff. Bankers get rich making loans to consumers and businesses. Everyone prospers.

Do we really want to make bankers even richer?











/sarcasm

[shenmue]

3. It's about time

$11-15 would be great. But even in the $10 range would help a lot of people.

[Ash_F]

5. Got to push this hard if they want to win in 2014

Just because you make more than 10/h, don't think "this is not my problem"