Washington -- U.S. Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) stood up for Wyoming small business today as she voted against H.R. 2, legislation that would increase the federal minimum wage by 41% over the next two years.

“Small business is the backbone of Wyoming’s economy,” said Representative Cubin.  “There is no doubt that I support paying workers a fair, livable wage.  But raising the minimum wage without a targeted tax relief package to help small businesses remain competitive only serves to punish the economy as a whole.” 

As part of their much bally-hooed “First 100 Hours” agenda, House Democrats introduced H.R. 2, the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007.  As per enforced U.S. House Democrat rules, Republicans were not permitted to offer amendments to the bill.   

“There is no reason why we cannot both raise minimum wage and protect the small businesses who are paying these wages,” said Cubin.  “Apparently, the fate of America’s small businesses is not important enough to House Democrats to be included in their First 100 Hours.” 

House Republicans offered an alternative proposal that would have provided for the same wage increase, while at the same time expanding access to health coverage for uninsured families across the country by creating Small Business Health Plans.  These plans enable small businesses to band together to offer their employees the same benefits large corporations and unions can offer.  The Republican proposal also offered tax relief for small businesses that would offset costs associated with a higher federal minimum wage.  However, floor rules did not permit Republicans to offer this alternative. 

“The high cost of health insurance is a burden to small business owners across Wyoming’s economy,” said Cubin.  “I have long been a supporter of Small Business Health Plans, and I am disappointed we were not able to include this measure in the legislation considered today.” 

Cubin voted against H.R. 2, which passed the House by a margin of 315 - 116. Last session Cubin voted for a House measure that both increased the minimum wage and provided the tax relief necessary for small businesses to absorb the increase in operating expenses.