Matheson Supports Increase in Minimum Wage
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Jan. 10, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Matheson Supports Increase in Minimum Wage
Washington D.C.-Congressman Jim Matheson today voted for the Fair Minimum Wage Act (HR 2) that would raise the current federal minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 per hour, over two years.
Matheson said that according to a recent study by the University of Utah's Center for Public Policy and Administration, that would mean a raise for about 170,000 Utahns, or 17 percent of the state's work force. A minimum wage worker in Utah earns, on average, $893 per month, according to that report. If the federal legislation becomes law, the same person would earn $1,213 per month.
"It's been nearly 10 years since the minimum wage increased. Many states have already established a minimum wage at or more than $7 an hour. I do have concerns about difficulties this may pose for some small businesses, but it appears the Senate version will include provisions needed by some employers," said Matheson.