few comments on the Minimum Wage Debate (Senate)

[radfringe]

Let me begin by saying I only caught about an hour or so of it - mostly caught the Dem presentation.

Overall, I thought the Dems made a good case, but they could have emphasized more on a few points (maybe they did later and I missed it?)

ennywhoo:

1. Bring up the bush taxcuts and point out how this did not help families who really need some "relief"

2. Estate tax repeal doesn't help those at the bottom of the economic ladder.

3. it's about valuing families - you can write all the legislation you want protecting moral/family values - but rhetoric doesn't put food on the table nor pay the bills

4. money is like fertilizer - you have to spread it around if you want things to grow. Under the current bush economic policies the fertilizer is one big pile

[maddezmom]

1. good post

:hi:

[radfringe]

3. thanks

I think the point about the economy the Dems have to make is the inequity of priorities. (it also applies to other issues)

The Dem theme in these issues should be VALUING FAMILIES

Rubberstamping Repub Congress has focused on feeding the top 1% and has ignored/blocked those of us who are really struggling.

I believe it was Dorgan that pointed out productivity is up but wages value is down. We work harder but get less value for our labor.

The other thing that's disturbing was a repub amendment to modify overtime. Under the amendment, overtime would be based on a 2-week period (80 hours). In a nut shell - you would only get overtime if you work over 80 hours not the current 40 hours. So an employer could have you work 50 hours one week and 30 hours the next and not have to pay overtime.

[rodeodance]

2. I read that the House took the Minimum wage vote OFF their schedule.

[radfringe]

4. but

the republican congress is still pushing the estate tax

(sorry this snippet is from FAUX..)

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,199855,00.html
Sen. Frist Asks House Lawmakers to Help Push Estate Tax Bill

Friday , June 16, 2006

WASHINGTON — Senate Republican leader Bill Frist asked House leaders for help reducing taxes on inherited estates, conceding that the GOP cannot eliminate them during this election year.

---snip---
Frist also said he encouraged House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., to attach other "attractive" tax provisions. Lawmakers have not yet extended a number of tax breaks that expired last year, including a research and development credit for businesses.

[Sherman A1]

5. It should

be tied to Congressional pay raises and in the same percentage. They seem to have gotten a few over the last few years, so why can't the working poor? Of course this all ties into greed, illegal immigration, tax cuts for the uber rich and on and on......