Jobs-statement-Fontana

==Source==
* FONTANA PRAISES NEW MINIMUM WAGE LAW - 7/13/2006
==Statement==
PITTSBURGH, JULY 13, 2006 - State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana today said
Pennsylvania's new minimum wage law is a long overdue step that will
finally enable low- income workers to catch up to inflation.
"I think it is wrong to characterize this new this new law as a pay
raise, or wage giveaway to low income families ," Fontana said. "In
truth, it is a long overdue cost-of living adjustment."
Pennsylvania's minimum wage was last increased in 1997.
Fontana was on hand at today's ceremony here where Gov. Ed Rendell
enacted the state's new minimum wage law. Fontana had co-sponsored the
legislation (SB 1090) that will gradually increase the state's minimum
wage to $7.15 an hour over the next two years.
He said the new law is a "good compromise" that will help low
income workers rise out of poverty, while allowing businesses plenty of
time to adjust to the higher minimum wage. The measure was approved in
the state Senate by a 38-12 vote.
"In hearing after hearing, reputable economists and other experts
consistently described this moderate minimum wage adjustment as a
win-win-win situation for workers, businesses, and our economy,"
Fontana said. "It's a good thing to do, and it's the right thing
to do."
The new law calls for minimum wage hikes that will eventually bring
Pennsylvania's minimum wage to $7.15 an hour. However, employers with
fewer than 10 employees will be permitted to pay a rate that rises more
slowly.
Employees of large companies will see a minimum wage increase to $6.25
on January 1, 2007 and an increase to $7.15 on July 1, 2007. The
small-employer rate (10 full time employees or less) raises the minimum
wage to $5.65 on January 1, 2007, $6.65 beginning July 1, 2007 and $7.15
by July 1, 2008.
The new law also establishes a training wage (workers 20 years and
younger), where teens would get $5.15 for 60 days and the full increase
thereafter.
==Links==
* Jobs