WHEREAS:
The federal minimum wage increases the standard of living for the poorest and most vulnerable in society, who are struggling in this economy; and

WHEREAS:
The federal minimum wage has not been raised since 2009; and

WHEREAS:
The ranks of the working poor now exceed 47 million; and

WHEREAS:
Over the last 40 years the real value of the federal minimum wage has fallen by nearly 30 percent; and

WHEREAS:
A number of cities across the country have recently enacted their own minimum wages and three states – Oregon, Vermont and Washington – have set their minimum wage higher than the federal minimum wage; and

WHEREAS:
Senator Tom Harkin has introduced the Rebuilding America Act, which seeks to raise the federal minimum wage from the current $7.25 to $9.80 in three increments of $.85, and would index increases in the federal minimum wage to inflation.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
AFSCME will support efforts by states and cities to set their minimum wage above the federal level; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME strongly supports Senator Tom Harkin’s Rebuild America Act, and will work to ensure passage.

SUBMITTED BY:
Kathy Chatman, President
Melissa Sheats, Recording Secretary
AFSCME Local 3
Georgia