Senator Boxer on the Increase in the Minimum Wage

July 16, 2007

American workers will soon see an important milestone, thanks to the enactment of the first increase in the minimum wage in nearly a decade.  Beginning on July 24th, the federal minimum wage will increase over the next two years from $5.15 to $7.25 per hour.

While this is still a low level, it will give countless families a small but important boost.  The increase is long overdue and will be welcomed by so many.   Though this change will have little direct impact on California workers because of our state’s minimum wage is already over the new federal minimum, it is good news for all working families in the nation. 

When the leadership of Congress changed in January, one of the promises was for a new direction, putting America’s families first.  The minimum wage increase is just one of the promises we kept. 

In addition, we will continue to keep working to make college more affordable, expand children’s health coverage, provide tax relief for middle- and low-income Americans, improve opportunities and working conditions for our labor force, and so much more.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

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