On the recordAugust 2, 1996
I am opposed to the conference agreement on H.R. 3448, the Small Business Job Protection Act because of my concern that the increase in the minimum wage or starting wage will make it much harder for those with few skills and training or a limited education to get a first job. Minimum wage jobs are often the first rung on the ladder of upward mobility and this increase will likely move that rung beyond reach for many workers. By raising the wage rate, we end up denying job opportunities to thousands of workers. The conference agreement raises the Federal minimum wage from $4.25 to $5.15, in two increments. It is well known by economists and lawmakers that higher minimum wages lead to job losses. Dozens of studies show that raising the minimum wage costs entry-level job opportunities, and does little to help the working poor. Job loss estimates for this increase range from 100,000 to over 600,000 jobs.
Source
govinfo.gov
