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Resolutions Adopted at the
67th Annual Conference of Mayors
New Orleans, Louisiana
June 11-15, 1999 |
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JOBS, EDUCATION AND THE WORKFORCE
FEDERAL MINIMUM HOURLY WAGE RATE ADJUSTMENT
WHEREAS, the current federal minimum hourly wage rate is inadequate to raise
families out of poverty; and
WHEREAS, the real value of the minimum wage continues to fall short since its
highest level in 1968; and
WHEREAS, the purchasing power of the minimum wage continues to fall short and
fails to allow families to make ends meet; and
WHEREAS, millions of workers paid by the hour earn at or below minimum wage and
the majority of minimum wage workers are adults; and
WHEREAS, the poverty line for a family of four leaves many minimum wage earners
unable to survive and they are the sole breadwinners for their households; and
WHEREAS, the majority of the average share of household income is earned by a
minimum wage worker; and
WHEREAS, the income disparities between the races have been widening, not
narrowing; and
WHEREAS, the minimum wage is one factor in these wide income disparities, as
minorities work disproportionately in minimum wage jobs; and
WHEREAS, these minimum wage jobs often lack medical, sick or vacation leave,
other benefits and job security; and
WHEREAS, these minimum wage jobs are a major factor in the decision of millions
of workers who would likely drop out of the labor force because they see no future in such
employment, but there are no other alternatives to raise a family; and
WHEREAS, many citizens who cannot survive on minimum wage seek alternatives
outside the traditional job market that may, at time, be destructive to them, their
families, and the total society; and
WHEREAS, studies have shown that raising the minimum wage does not result in job
losses,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the federal minimum hourly wage rate should
be increased to encourage significantly greater labor force participation and enable
minimum wage job holders to support themselves and their families at income levels above
the nationally defined poverty level.
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Federal Minimum Hourly Wage Rate Adjustment