Political Quotes

“I rise today also to talk about the increase in the minimum wage. I was talking to a woman from my district on Friday. She said, ``Congressman Klink, I don't want to be forced to go on welfare.'' And then she listed off the expenses that she would have to pay when she goes to work, with child care and with her rent and with food and with transportation costs. And she said, ``for $4.25, I can't afford to go to work; I don't want to go on welfare.'' In fact, that is the position so many people find themselves in. They want the pride of going to work each day, of having sweat on their brow at the end of the day and talking about a job well done. They want to get some discipline back in their lives again. But at $4.25 an hour, they just cannot afford to do that. I think it is among Members of this House and the other body also to say to people that $4.25 an hour is not a livable wage and to increase the minimum wage of this Nation.”