Labor unions court (Rep.-elect Steve) Kagen over health, wage issues

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061214/GPG0101/612140522/1207/GPGnews

Posted December 14, 2006

Labor unions court Kagen over health, wage issues

Congressman-elect undecided on some work-related issues

By BRIAN TUMULTY
Press-Gazette Washington bureau

WASHINGTON — Rep.-elect Steve Kagen is one of about a dozen incoming House Democrats being courted by organized labor to endorse proposals such as an increase in the minimum wage and universal health care coverage.

For Kagen, an Appleton allergist, it's a no-brainer because both proposals are issues he supported during his campaign.

Kagen said in an interview Wednesday the legislation Democrats will introduce next month to eventually hike the federal minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $7.25 might not go far enough.

"I don't believe it's the final answer," he said, expressing support for an even higher "living wage."

FULL story at link above.