FreedomWorks Key Votes H.R. 2

On behalf of more than 800,000 FreedomWorks members nationwide, I write to urge you to VOTE NO H.R. 2, the ‘Fair Minimum Wage Act.’

As you know, later today Congress will consider legislation that would allow for an increase in the minimum wage from $5.15 per hour to $7.25 per hour over two years. This past summer, the House was able to agree on a balanced, sensible minimum wage bill with bipartisan support. But because of a provision slipped into the Rules package, this current bill will make it to the House floor without a chance for an amendment or any testimony before the committee.

In addition, this legislation does not account for any of the financial burdens a minimum wage increase would have on small businesses and their employees. Small businesses are a vital part of our strong economy and a necessary component of job creation. In fact, the jobs created by small businesses represent up to two-thirds of all new jobs. According to CBO estimates, a minimum wage increase would saddle small businesses with up to $7 billion in added costs. The results could mean a loss of millions of jobs.

A minimum wage increase without significant protections for small businesses and their workers would only hurt the very sector that it intends to help. FreedomWorks urges you resist this minimum wage hike. We will count your vote as a KEY VOTE when calculating the FreedomWorks Economic Scorecard for 2007. The FreedomWorks Economic Scorecard is used to determine eligibility for the Jefferson Award, which recognizes members of Congress with voting records that support economic freedom.

Sincerely,

Matt Kibbe
President and CEO
FreedomWorks