Buchanan Votes to Raise Minimum Wage

Buchanan Votes to Raise Minimum Wage

U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL13) voted today to level the playing field for Florida businesses by helping to pass a bill to increase the federal minimum wage. The Fair Minimum Wage Act (H.R. 2) would increase the federal minimum wage $2.10 over the next two years from $5.15 to $7.25.

"Florida's minimum wage is higher than the current federal minimum wage," said Buchanan. "That puts the state at a competitive disadvantage. Neighboring states such as Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi have no minimum wage. Georgia has a state minimum wage more than $1.50 lower than Florida. This bill will help Florida's workers and small businesses compete in the Gulf Coast region."

Florida's state minimum wage is currently $6.67 compared to $5.15 in Georgia. In addition to supporting the minimum wage increase, Buchanan also supported a proposal to expand access to affordable health care and reduce regulatory and tax burdens on small businesses. That proposal failed to pass the full House.

"While I would prefer to pair a federal minimum wage increase with targeted tax relief for small businesses, I believe supporting an increase in the federal minimum wage will level the playing field for business owners in Florida," added Buchanan.

Buchanan is a self-made businessman and has served on the boards of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. As a Member of Congress he will serve on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as well as the House Small Business Committee.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/fl13_buchanan/pr_070110minwage.html