[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 22 (Friday, February 3, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H1162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             WORKING FOR WORKERS' DIGNITY: THE MINIMUM WAGE

  (Mr. VENTO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, the Congress has the responsibility to help 
working families earn a living in the world of work. Today the minimum 
wage has slipped to the lowest value in decades. Men and women who are 
struggling to support themselves and their kids and American families 
are falling further behind. Unemployment is low, but many that are 
accepting jobs are receiving substandard wages and taking these jobs 
but not making ends meet. America needs a fair minimum wage. Decency 
demands that Congress act to give a fair shake to American workers.
  The single parents, the persons trying to be able to make a living on 
his or her job, not with a government support program. The best welfare 
program is a job.
  Action to raise the minimum wage, itself, helps workers, not a 
trickle-down political promise program to cut taxes for the rich, but 
social justice for workers on the job in America today.
  Fairness and decency demand congressional action to make a work pay. 
Let Congress Act to increase the minimum wage and be fair to the 
working people we represent.

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