|
House and Senate approve wage resolutions
Wednesday,
April 30, 2008
The House and Senate have approved each other’s version of a concurrent resolution calling on the chairmen of the US Senate and House Committees who are reviewing the minimum wage legislation to halt the next 50-cent increase in the local minimum wage.
The measure spells out scenarios of what would happen to the local economy if the next increase goes ahead on May 25. It asks Senator Edward Kennedy and Rep. George Miller to suspend the increase until concrete data has been collected to illustrate the full effect of the higher wage bill. Senator Tuaolo Fruean said on the Senate floor today that the local government must be ready with answers if congressional leaders ask why leaders are pushing to stall the wage increase when the cost of living is skyrocketing. Tuaolo said in addition to the concurrent resolution which the Fono is sending, local leaders should prepare adequate responses to provide to the US lawmakers on why the territory cannot afford another wage increase.
Tuaolo acknowledged that higher prices for basic necessities would make the US lawmakers sympathetic to the plight of workers however he said everything must be done to protect the tuna canneries. Senator Alo Stevenson said the government must monitor any significant changed in basic necessities such as food items. He suggested that the Senate President alert the Attorney General’s Office and ask that the Consumer Protection Bureau keep an eye on prices. Alo said higher fuel costs is a factorin the prices of imports.A basic staple which now costs significantly more is rice. A 25-pound bag, which used to cost $12.95, is now $16.95 in some stores.
| 
