A Weekly e-Newsletter from
Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA)

February 2, 2007

Dear Friends,                              

This week, the Senate voted 94-3 for a bill to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide for an increase in the federal minimum wage.  The bill raises the federal minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $7.25 an hour, but also provides $8 billion in tax breaks over 10 years for small businesses.  I supported this bill because the tax breaks will allow small businesses to avoid layoffs and to continue to promote job creation.  A minimum wage increase without these incentives would have harmed the entry-level workers who we are trying to protect.  This legislation will allow small businesses and retail establishments to stay competitive and keep our economy growing.  The legislation must now be reconciled with the version passed in the U.S. House before a final package goes to President Bush.

Delta Air Lines

On Wednesday, Delta Air Lines and Georgia received great news as U.S. Airways withdrew its proposed bid to merge with Atlanta-based Delta after the court-appointed creditors committee voted to support Delta Air Lines’ plan to emerge from bankruptcy as a stand-alone carrier.  I’m not surprised by this great news. The creditors analyzed the U.S. Airways offer and realized it would eliminate competition, raise fares and reduce service. Delta’s plan to emerge from bankruptcy as a strong, stand-alone carrier – combined with the enthusiasm of its employees and its demonstrated ability to make a profit – is better for the country, the traveling public and Delta’s creditors.  Delta Air Lines went into bankruptcy with a goal of emerging competitive and strong and honoring its commitments to its employees and to its customers. It has cut its costs, reconfigured its aircraft, aggressively gone into international markets, made its fares more affordable and received one of the highest service rankings of any airline in the industry because of the hard work of its employees . Delta has worked hard to develop a plan to exit bankruptcy and deserves this chance. 

Lisa Godbey Wood

On Tuesday, the Senate unanimously confirmed St. Simons Island attorney Lisa Godbey Wood to serve as the next United State District Court Judge for the Southern District of Georgia.  President Bush tapped Wood to fill the judicial vacancy created by the Honorable Dudley H. Bowen, Jr., who elected to take senior status effective June 26, 2006. Both Senator Chambliss and I recommended Ms. Wood for the post.  She currently serves as United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.  Ms. Wood is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Georgia as well as the University of Georgia School of Law. Following gradation from law school, Ms. Wood served as a law clerk to the Honorable Anthony A. Alaimo of the District Court for the Southern District of Georgia before joining the Brunswick law firm of Gilbert, Harrell, Sumerford & Martin where she was quickly elevated to litigating partner. She also served as a Magistrate Judge of the Glynn County Magistrate Court from 1998 to 2000 before accepting the appointment to U.S. Attorney.  Lisa Godbey Wood brings to the bench of the United States of America the integrity, the sense and the judgment that all of us seek in a fine judge in this country.  I am extremely pleased the Senate has confirmed this outstanding jurist.

What’s on Tap for Next Week?

The Senate will debate a nonbinding resolution on the President’s strategy on Iraq.

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson