WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) announced today that the federal minimum wage will increase from $6.55 to $7.25 an hour on July 24, 2009.  In May 2007, the 110th Congress approved and President Bush signed into law H.R. 2206.  This legislation contained a provision that raised the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour, in three steps, over a two-year period.   

          “In 2007, I supported legislation in Congress to increase the federal minimum wage.  Boosting wages for America’s lowest-paid workers will increase the purchasing power of many families who are struggling to make ends meet.  This action was long overdue and it has become especially critical during the current economic slump,” said Skelton.

          Under H.R. 2206, the federal minimum wage increased by $5.15 to $5.85 on July 24, 2007; increased to $6.55 on July 24, 2008; and will increase to $7.25 on July 24, 2009.  This legislation was the first act by Congress to increase the federal minimum wage in a decade.

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Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee . For further information, please contact Rebecca Loving or Whitney Frost at 202-225-2876, or check Congressman Skelton’s website at http://www.house.gov/skelton.