[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 22 (Friday, February 3, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H1165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE

  (Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the President's 
decision to raise the minimum wage.
  This bold action is an important step in helping to make the American 
dream a reality for millions of hard-working Americans.
  Far too many Americans are working fulltime, only to face the cruel 
reality that they do not earn enough to support their families.
  Today, the minimum wage is worth 27 percent less than it was in 1979.
  To allow the devaluation of reward for honest work to continue 
without positive adjustment is a travesty which demeans the worker and 
the value of work he or she performs.
  This devaluation has added countless individuals to the welfare 
rolls--individuals who would prefer to work, if only they could support 
their families by doing so.
  I endorse the President's decision to recognize the American worker 
in this manner.
  The increase is justified. Workers have earned it time and again 
through the honest sweat of their brow.
  We must no longer allow their honest efforts to go unnoticed or 
unrewarded.


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