The Nation : Senate Gives Final OK to Wage Hike Bill

The Senate gave final passage to legislation increasing the minimum wage to $4.55 an hour, setting the stage for President Bush’s first veto of his fledgling Administration. The minimum wage has not been raised since 1981 when it reached the current $3.35 an hour. In addition to increasing the minimum wage to $4.55, the legislation includes a first-ever lower “training” wage for new workers. The bill was approved 62 to 37, after weathering a day of Republican amendments, and sent to a conference with the House, which has passed an almost identical measure. Bush has stated repeatedly that he would veto any bill which increases the minimum wage over $4.25 an hour and does not include a six-month “training” wage for those coming into the work force for the first time.