[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 7, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H1291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     GIVE WORKING AMERICANS A BREAK

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 4, 1995, the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Bonior] is recognized 
during morning business for 2 minutes.
  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, let me see if I get this straight: First the 
Republicans said we cannot raise the minimum wage because it would cost 
jobs. Well, that argument did not fly. We know that from the studies 
that have been done recently between New Jersey and Pennsylvania and 
New York, where those establishments along the border that did raise 
the minimum wage actually found increased employment. That argument did 
not fly.
  So next the Speaker said we cannot raise the minimum wage because of 
the crisis in Mexico, as if 58 cents an hour should be our benchmark. 
That our wages in this country should be tagged to those in Mexico. 
That did not fly.
  So now the Senate majority leader says that the only way we can raise 
the minimum wage is if we cut taxes on the wealthy investors first. The 
Republicans say that the only way we can help people who earn $9,000 a 
year is by cutting taxes on those who make $9,000 a day.
  Mr. Speaker, give me a break. If the Republicans want to help their 
wealthy friends, fine. But we are not going to let you do it on the 
backs of working families in this country. It is time we give working 
Americans a break, not just the wealthiest in our society.
  I urge my colleagues to support the minimum wage, which is a just, 
living wage, which will move people to work, off welfare, and give them 
the wherewithal and the sustenance and a living wage to care for their 
families and to move up into the middle class, where they can hopefully 
enjoy a better future for themselves and their family.

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