[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 12]
[House]
[Page 16116]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              RISING GAS PRICES HURT MINIMUM WAGE EARNERS

  (Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, gas prices in this 
country have just risen to hit yet another record high, reminding us 
all of how difficult it can be to make ends meet today. This is 
especially true for the millions of Americans who are struggling to 
survive and support their families while making the minimum wage.
  Although it has not been increased since 1997, and it is currently at 
its lowest level in 50 years when adjusted for inflation, Republicans 
still refuse to raise the minimum wage from $5.15 an hour. That means 
if you make $5.15 an hour and you work all year round, you would make 
$10,700. In fact, it would take you a full day just to fill up your gas 
tank. With the kind of money you make on minimum wage, there is very 
little left to support a household, something three-quarters of the 
people who make minimum wage must do.
  Mr. Speaker, Democrats believe that no one who works hard at a full-
time job should be in poverty. It is time to raise the minimum wage. 
Congress should not go on vacation without giving these workers their 
first pay raise in 9 years.

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