[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 1]
[House]
[Page 743]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              LIVABLE WAGE

  (Mr. ELLISON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, today the hardworking men and women of 
America have reason to rejoice. Today from the people's House, the 
House of Representatives, we have heard the call of the people of 
America, and we will today say that labor has dignity and the working 
people of America deserve a raise in pay.
  It has been a long time coming, about 10 years; too long in fact, too 
long. Fifteen million people will benefit. But the people who get the 
pay increase, they will not be the only beneficiaries. You and I will 
be able to claim a generous Nation that believes that all labor is 
dignified and must be honored with fair and decent pay.
  Poverty has increased every year over the last 6 years. The ranks of 
the uninsured have increased every year over the last 6 years; and 
something else has increased over the last 6 years, executive pay.
  An average CEO makes more before lunch than the average minimum wage 
worker makes all year long.
  Today, the House recognizes that all labor is important; all workers 
deserve dignity.
  Today, the House recognizes that 37 million people living in poverty 
is not acceptable.
  And this should mark a new beginning.
  Toward concerning all--because a loving nation looks out for the 
health and wellness of all its people.
  Today's a step towards a livable wage--not just a minimum wage.
  Toward economic justice.

                          ____________________