Tina Smith: “I rise today to support the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 to increase the Federal minimum wage. The Fair Minimum Wage…”

“I rise today to support the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 to increase the Federal minimum wage. The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 will increase the Federal minimum wage by $2.10 to $7.25. Oregon's minimum wage, which is $7.80 and adjusted annually for inflation, will not be impacted by this boost. Nevertheless, I support the increase of the Federal minimum wage for our Nation's employees. I also support the inclusion of the small business tax relief in the legislation. I believe this is a valuable legislative package, helping both our Nation's employees and small businesses and strengthening America's workforce and economy. The bill before us today will have a positive impact on our low-income workers. An estimated 14 million workers will receive a pay increase if the minimum wage were raised from $5.15 to $7.25. There are roughly 3.9 million families with children under 18 that will benefit from this minimum wage increase, including 1.4 million single parents. I am proud that we had this debate on the Senate floor. By engaging in this bipartisan discussion, we were able to reach a compromise that benefits low-income American workers. After 10 years, hard-working Americans, many of whom are working full-time jobs, will be in a better position to pay their bills, take care of their families, and reinvest in the economy. I also support the tax relief included in this bill for our Nation's small businesses.”