O’Malley Urges Bush to Call for Straight Up or Down Vote on Minimum Wage

Ehrlich refuses to join O’Malley’s on issue of “basic fairness�

Baltimore, MD (August 2, 2006) – In a letter released today by the O’Malley/Brown campaign, Martin O’Malley urged President Bush to call on the Congressional leadership in his party to hold a straight up or down vote on the minimum wage. While touring the Baltimore Laborers’ Training Center in Baltimore County where working men and women, many of whom are living on the minimum wage, acquire skills for higher paying jobs, O’Malley said the issue was one of “basic fairness.�

The national minimum wage has not been increased in nine years, during which time it has lost 20% of its buying power and its relative value is at a 51-year low. Congressional Republicans have attached a $268 billion estate tax break for the 2,800 wealthiest Americans to a proposal to increase the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 by 2009 – endangering its chance of succeeding.

“At a time when the cost of energy, gas and health care is soaring, helping families that work hard and play by the rules is an issue of basic fairness,� said O’Malley. “I’m disappointed, but not surprised by Bob Ehrlich’s refusal to stand up to George W. Bush and side with working families. Bob Ehrlich and George Bush might have lost touch with Maryland families, but no one should have to live on $5.15 per hour.�

Before sending the letter to President Bush, O’Malley sent a letter to Governor Ehrlich asking him to join O’Malley in urging the President to call for a straight up or down vote. Ehrlich refused to sign the letter.

In Maryland, the General Assembly voted to increase the state’s minimum wage, despite Bob Ehrlich’s veto, to $6.15 per hour. Seventeen other states have raised their minimum wage levels above the federal minimum wage, which has not been increased in nine years. While in Congress, Ehrlich consistently voted against increases to the minimum wage, even as he voted for annual raises himself and other members of Congress totaling more than $10,000.

The proposed increase in the federal minimum wage would provide a working Marylander living on the minimum wage with $2,000 more a year, and it would improve the quality of life for 6.6 million Americans. The inheritance tax break Republicans have attached to the bill, endangering the minimum wage increase affects just 8,200 of the wealthiest Americans.

“Your position on this issue speaks volumes to what you value – do you value rewarding work or do you value rewarding privilege?� said O’Malley.

The letters from Martin O’Malley to Bob Ehrlich and President Bush are attached.

Letter to Bob Ehrlich on Minimum Wage

Letter to George Bush on Minimum Wage

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