Change to Win Statement on Minimum Wage Increase
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, July 24, 2009
CONTACT: Greg Denier
Noreen Nielsen
202-721-0660
WASHINGTON, DC -- Change to Win executive director Chris Chafe issued the following statement today in support of the minimum wage increase from $6.55 an hour to $7.25.
"Today's minimum wage increase is an important step in recovering our economy, rebuilding the middle class and renewing the American Dream for America's workers. But it is only one of three prongs necessary to create a real economic stimulus package for working families. In addition to a minimum wage indexed to inflation, workers need a major overhaul of our health care system and passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, legislation that would allow workers to bargain with employers for better wages, benefits and job security. Worker consumption is what drives our economy. In order to expand America's purchasing power, we need to expand the paychecks of workers.
"Even with this new wage increase, millions of working Americans are struggling to make ends meet. By implementing the President's bold reforms -- from health care to the Employee Free Choice Act -- we can put working families on a pathway out of poverty and back on the road to achieving the American Dream."
** Note: Media representatives interested in scheduling an interview with Change to Win leaders should contact Noreen Nielsen at Noreen.nielsen@changetowin.org.**
