For the first time since President Clinton, the newly Democratic Congress increased the minimum wage last year. It was a welcome breath of fresh air in the room that has been stale for those who aren't rich GOP donors. It came at an opportune time and George Bush had to relent in order to get other things he wanted passed. The wage is still far below what it takes to keep an American family in a home, with a healthy diet and access to decent medical coverage. If you think you'll see another increase taken on by McCain, think again.
From ThinkProgress:
Today in an interview with CNBC, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) said that he wasn’t interested in raising the minimum wage:
BARTIROMO: What about a minimum wage increase? Would you consider?
MCCAIN: As long as we take care of small businesses. Small businesses right now — I see them every day — they say, You increase the minimum wage, I lay off workers. Is that what we want to do right now? Of course not.
As TP points out, he has voted against increases in the wage nineteen times and you can be certain that his veto pen would be used heavily against the Congress that (hopefully) will fight for more progressive values as it becomes much bluer this cycle. It is possible we could see a 100-seat majority and it would be much better served by a President that respects those who are in need and not those that "need" new yachts.
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