Federal Wage Proposal Passes House

An increase in the minimum wage is proposed on the federal level. The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation Wednesday, January 10, to increase the federal minimum wage to $7.25 per hour over the next two years.

Congressman Bart Stupak of Menominee, who co-sponsored the legislation, reported that the move would benefit more than 13 million American workers and their families.

"Costs on everything from gasoline to health care to education have risen at the same time that American families have seen their real incomes drop by almost $1,300 since 2000," Congressman Stupak said. "Meanwhile, the minimum wage has remained unchanged for nearly 10 years and is at its lowest value in more than half a century."