Joseph Knollenberg: “we know this is not really about helping working families. If increasing the minimum wage was such a great idea, why did…”

“we know this is not really about helping working families. If increasing the minimum wage was such a great idea, why did we not do this back in 1993? I guess the leadership at that time did not think it was important when they were too busy raising taxes on seniors, on businesses. In fact, let me share with my colleagues the President's words in those days. I know this does not mean much to some, but, in fact, he said then, on February 6, 1993, ``The minimum wage is the wrong way to raise incomes of low-wage earners.'' If my friends think 90 cents per hour is going to save working families, they are only looking at half the story. What we need to provide, of course, is tax relief to our families, not 90 cents an hour. Let me just add that for every one person this helps, it is going to hurt many more; many more in jobs lost by first-time, inexperienced workers which will increase costs and burdens for our small businesses and finally higher prices to consumers. If we want to help our working families, increase their income and get the Government out of their wallets. A minimum wage increase may be well intended, but it is wrong-headed. It is a recipe for losing jobs and opportunities and increasing unemployment. Vote ``no'' on the minimum wage.”