Recognizing that millions of working Americans who earn the minimum wage are struggling to afford the basic necessities for their families, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) is fighting to increase the federal minimum wage, which is at its lowest point in 50 years when adjusted for inflation. 

 In the United States, 7.3 million people would benefit from a raise in the minimum wage, including 1.8 million parents with children.  "A minimum wage earner who works full-time all year earns just $10,700, leaving them well below the poverty line.  This is simply not acceptable in America.  No American who works full time all year should live in poverty," Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard said. 

"The argument that an increase in the minimum wage will result in job losses is bogus.  In fact, a study released by the Center for American Progress and Policy Matters Ohio in May 2006 found that small business employment and payrolls grew more in states with higher minimum wages," Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard said.

 On June 13, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard joined her colleagues on the Appropriations Committee in passing an amendment to raise the federal minimum wage to the Fiscal Year 2007 Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Bill.  The measure would gradually increase the federal minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 over two years.  State laws establishing a minimum wage vary throughout the country.  Where federal and state laws differ, the higher standard applies.  The current minimum wage in California is $6.75.   

While the minimum wage amendment passed with bipartisan support in committee, Republican leaders have stopped the Labor-Health bill from coming to a vote before the entire U.S. House of Representatives because they fear they will not have the votes to remove the wage increase from the final measure.

"The federal minimum wage has not been increased since 1997, and it is unconscionable that the Republican-controlled Congress has blocked all efforts to increase it," Congresswoman Roybal-Allard said. 

"More than 80 percent of the American people support an increase in the minimum wage, and Democrats will continue pushing for action on this issue until Republicans allow a fair vote in the House of Representatives," Congresswoman Roybal-Allard said.

 Congresswoman Roybal-Allard signed a "discharge petition," which would force a House floor vote on the Democrats' minimum wage bill if supporters secure 218 Member signatures.  There are currently 189 signatures on the petition.
 

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