[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 7, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H1288]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 INCREASE IN MINIMUM WAGE LONG OVERDUE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 4, 1995, the gentleman from New York [Mr. Hinchey] is 
recognized during morning business for 2 minutes.
  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the Clinton 
administration for taking action on behalf of working Americans today 
and raising the minimum wage.
  The administration's action is long overdue and I hope this wage 
increase will help the working families of my district--and the 
Nation--to share in the economic recovery that we read so much about.
  According to the Labor Department, the Employment Cost Index, which 
measures the wages, salaries and benefits paid to American workers, 
rose by only three-tenths of 1 percent during the past 12 months--the 
smallest annual increase on record.
  This means that wages and benefits have failed to rise in response to 
economic growth and lower unemployment.
  This is not a normal economic recovery in which wages rise as the 
economy picks up steam.
  The Federal Government has few opportunities to improve the wages and 
benefits of America's labor force and subsequently improve the quality 
of life of working Americans. Adjusting the minimum wage is one method 
available.
  Today, I applaud President Clinton for attempting to deal directly 
with the declining standard of living for working Americans.
  An increase in the minimum wage is long overdue and I support 
President Clinton's effort to strengthen the economic outlook for 
working families.


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