[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 27 (Friday, February 10, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H1560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE A LIVABLE WAGE

  (Mr. THOMPSON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.
  Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of livable wage for all 
Americans by the year 2000. Congressmen Clyburn and Hilliard and I have 
introduced a bill, H.R. 768, that moves the debate from a minimum wage 
to a livable wage. Many Americans who work in retail establishments 
such as McDonald's already earn more than $5 per hour. The current 
minimum wage of $4.25 per hour amounts to approximately $9,000 a year. 
No individual or family can live at a decent level on this income. 
Contrary to popular belief, two-thirds of minimum wage workers are 
adults and not teenagers.
  The minimum wage has not been raised since April 1, 1991, nearly 4 
years ago. For the richest country in the world, this is a national 
disgrace. All of us know that the cost of goods and services have risen 
over this time period. By supporting a liveable wage, we send a clear 
signal to the Nation of our support for the working poor.
  Let us vote for a livable wage and index future increases so that all 
American families can keep up with the rising cost of living. My 
constituents in Mississippi deserve it. Your constituents deserve it. 
We must demand it.

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