Fleming to support a raise in the minimum wage if elected
PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE FLEMING FOR US SENATE CAMPAIGN
TO: All Mississippi Media
FROM: Representative Erik R. Fleming, D-Clinton (601) 488-0364, (601) 473-9067
DATE: June 22, 2006
RE: Fleming says Lott’s “NO” vote on minimum wage increase not in Mississippi’s best interests
CLINTON, MS—State Representative Erik R. Fleming, D-Clinton, a Democratic candidate for the US Senate in 2006, offered a response today to US Senator Trent Lott’s vote against the measure to increase the federal minimum wage on June 21, 2006.
Fleming said: “Trent Lott has proven once again that he does not have the best interest of Mississippi at heart. On June 21, 2006, for the ninth consecutive time, the junior senator from Mississippi has voted against increasing the federal minimum wage from $5.15 an hour, denying an improvement in the quality of life for some 364,000 Mississippians.
“Mississippi is the poorest state in the nation, with 25 percent of its population living below the federal poverty level. A minimum wage earner makes annually $10,700, some $6,000 below the federal poverty level. Lott’s vote against the wage increase will continue to hinder Mississippi families in their quest to have a better life.
“Since 1997, Lott has voted against increasing the minimum wage, while his salary has increased $30,000 and his personal wealth is now valued at somewhere between $1.2 million and $2.3 million.
“If I am elected to the United States Senate, I will support the plan to increase the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour. I have consistently introduced legislation in the Mississippi House of Representatives to establish a state minimum wage 15 percent higher than the federal minimum wage.
“I have also been an advocate for the elimination of the tax on overtime income, which would put more money in the pockets of some 455,000 Mississippians, so my desire to help Mississippians have a better life is clear.
“It should be crystal clear now to the voters that Mr. Lott, by his actions yesterday, does not share that same desire.”
Magnolia Tribune
