WASHINGTON(AP) The Republican-controlled Senate smothered a proposed election-year increase in the minimum wage Wednesday, rejecting Democratic claims that it was past time to boost the $5.15 hourly pay floor that has been in effect for nearly a decade.

The 52-46 vote was eight short of the 60 needed for approval and came one day after House Republican leaders made clear they do not intend to allow a vote on the issue, fearing it might pass.

The Senate vote marked the ninth time since 1997 that Democrats there have proposed _ and Republicans have blocked _ a stand-alone increase in the minimum wage. The debate fell along predictable lines.

"Americans believe that no one who works hard for a living should have to live in poverty. A job should lift you out of poverty, not keep you in it," said Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass. He said a worker paid $5.15 an hour would earn $10,700 a year, "almost $6,000 below the poverty line for a family of three."

Republicans said a minimum wage increase would wind up hurting the low-wage workers that Democrats said they want to help.

"For every increase you make in the minimum wage, you will cost some of them their jobs," said Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.

He described the clash as a "classic debate between two very different philosophies. One philosophy that believes in the marketplace, the competitive system ... and entrepreneurship. And secondly is the argument that says the government knows better and that topdown mandates work."

The measure drew the support of 43 Democrats, eight Republicans and one independent. Four of those eight Republicans are seeking re-election in the fall.

When I saw the title for the thread I just had to think of a dwarf in UO prison LOL

Oh man, Minotaur2k beat me to it!!

*swats*

Having a minimum wge that low is unbelievably stupid. Even a single person cant live on that...in the northeast anyway...

I remember when it was raised to 5.15 in 2 stages. Why couldnt they do the same again. I don't think an extra few pennies an hour is going to hurt the low wage paying places like BK, Mcd's at all. $10 bucks says the next time a vote comes up to raise their salaries, it wont even get a second guess. "What!! You want to raise our salaries $10,000 a year! Well why not!"
Bunghole Senators!

wouldn't it be better for the economy if they uped the min wage?.. more money means more spending.. eh?

yeah some ppl cant help it they can only get min wage jobs you take any job you can get especially if you have a family

No.

Minimum wage jobs are not meant to be lived on, they should be taken by teenagers who are beginning their work careers. IF, that's a big if, someone is a head of a family and in a minimum wage job, there are government funds out there to help them. Also for those in families, there are 2 adults, should be 2 incomes if 1 doesn't cut it.

With the price of Gas and the cost of living going up so quickly I must agree that I think they should raise the minimum wage. Some people don't have the luxury of finding jobs that pay more than minimum wage. Either they are not qualified for a higher paying job or there are none available in their area. Not everyone can drive a half hour or more to find a job that pays even 10$ a hour. (which is really not even enough to live on, at least around here its not.) Also some people are not elligible for government funds. Besides I try to rely on the US govt as little as possible.