WASHINGTON JOINS THE PUSH TO RESTORE THE MINIMUM WAGE 

          HARRISBURG, October 19 – State Senator LeAnna M. Washington (D-Phila.) yesterday joined Gov. Ed Rendell, state Senator Christina Tartaglione (D-Phila.) and organized labor community advocates at a rally to raise the minimum wage.

          “I am here today for working moms and single moms,” Washington said. “I remember being a single mother and the struggle that I faced. I am also here for senior citizens. They make up 20 percent of the population and they have to work, I am here for transition workers, both men and women.”

          The Capitol rally gathered supporters from community, religious and labor groups who crowded the steps of the Rotunda for the event. 

          “I support Governor Rendell when he says the minimum wage should be raised by January 1, 2006,” Washington said.

          The minimum wage was federally mandated to $5.15 an hour in 1997.  Since that time, several states have increased their minimum wage levels to more than $5.15 an hour.  Pennsylvania’s General Assembly has not increased its minimum wage since 1988.

          “With the rising costs of living, the minimum wage should have been adjusted several times to keep pace,” Washington said.  “It is time for us to make an investment in the hard working minimum wage earners in this state.”

          Washington also added that she supports Sen. Tartaglione’s new legislation, Senate Bill 926 that provides for a two-step increase in the minimum wage, plus cost of living adjustments.

          Governor Rendell has proposed increasing the state’s minimum wage to $6.25 an hour in January 2006 and to $7.15 an hour in January 2007.