Statement of Governor Doyle on Congress Passing Increase in Federal Minimum Wage

Press Release

Long Overdue Raise for Working Families First Increase in 10 Years

Last night, the U.S. Congress approved what will be the first increase in the federal minimum wage in a decade. The measure would raise the federal minimum wage to $7.25 an hour from $5.15 an hour in three stages over two years. Over the past 10 years, inflation has depleted the value of the federal minimum wage to its lowest level in more than 50 years.

Under Governor Jim Doyle's leadership, Wisconsin has twice raised its statewide minimum wage in the last four years. Wisconsin's current minimum wage is $6.50 - higher than the national minimum wage.

Governor Doyle made the following statement today:

"I am pleased that the U.S. Congress finally followed Wisconsin's lead and provided an increase in the federal minimum wage for working families. For far too long, America's workers have been denied the pay raise they deserve. In fact, our lowest-paid workers have endured the longest stretch without a raise since the federal minimum wage was established.

"This increase will help hardworking families across Wisconsin - who have been squeezed by everything from record gasoline prices to rising health care costs - have more money to buy groceries, fill up the gas tank, or send a child to day care. I applaud Congress for passing this long-overdue increase for working families across America."

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