U.S. minimum wage increase passed by Congress
Saturday, May 26, 2007
- 12 February 2012: Amartya Sen among the scholars for US National Humanities Medal
- 12 February 2012: American pop star Whitney Houston dies at 48
- 11 February 2012: US regulators approve new nuclear reactors for first time in 34 years
- 10 February 2012: German judge orders life sentence for nation's 'first Islamic-motivated terror attack'
- 10 February 2012: Egypt struggles to recover tourism; investment
An increase in the United States federal minimum wage was approved by Congress on Thursday as part of the military funding bill. President Bush is expected to sign the minimum wage increase proposal into law, as he supported it while it was in the legislative process.
The minimum wage raise was a campaign promise made by Democrats in the 2006 elections and is cited as one of the reasons the Democrats won control of Congress.
Any lower minimum wage levels previously set by U.S. state legislatures will be superseded by the new federal law that boosts the minimum wage from US$5.15 to $7.25 per hour.
The wage raise will happen gradually, being completed in two years. "Within 60 days, those who make $5.15 an hour will receive $5.85. Within a year, it will be $6.55. Within two years, it will be $7.25" according to Monique Newton of MyrtleBeachOnline.
Related news
- "North Carolina to see minimum wage increase" — Wikinews, July 16, 2006
Sources
- Monique Newton. "Wage increase may do little for local employees" — MyrtleBeachOnline.com, May. 26, 2007
- Robin Toner and Carl Hulse: New York Times. "Dems relish victory in minimum wage raise" — Houston Chronicle, May 26, 2007
- "Iraq funding OK boosts minimum wage" — The Business Journal, May 25, 2007
