[mjh: Note that Republicans killed this legislation before I could post anything on it. However, read the points anyway to be ready for the next time. Fewer votes defeated this than are needed for the Democrats to take back power.]

Progress Report Archives 2006 – American Progress Action Fund
Raise the Minimum Wage

The buying power of the federal minimum wage is currently at its lowest level in 51 years. Eighty-three percent of Americans favor an increase in the minimum wage (nearly half “strongly support” it). Yet, the House conservative leadership hasn’t allowed a full floor vote on the minimum wage since the last increase went into effect, in 1997. …

In the nine years since the federal minimum wage was raised, Congress has voted itself nine pay hikes totaling nearly $35,000 a year, while a full-time minimum wage worker’s annual pay has not budged from $10,712. Just a few days ago, House lawmakers cleared the way for a $3,300 pay raise that will increase their salaries to $168,500.

Follow the link for very thorough rebuttal to many conservative claims about the minimum wage. Progress Report Archives 2006 – American Progress Action Fund