Senate MAJORITY Leader Reid: "Please sign my petition... for raising the minimum wage."

We are the majority. Now what?

Dear Friend,

Today for the first time since 1994, Democrats are the majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. As great as winning in November was, we now need to demonstrate that Democrats are prepared to lead -- finding a solution to Iraq so our troops can come home, cleaning up Washington, and moving our country forward on the many issues affecting the lives of Americans each and everyday.

There is no issue that shows the difference between those who want to move our country forward and those holding us back, more than the minimum wage. That is why in the fall, Senate Democrats drew a line in the sand denying Congress it's pay raise until the minimum wage is raised. Now we need to fulfill that promise. Your support will show that without a doubt, America is demanding Congress raise the minimum wage.

Please sign my petition demonstrating public support for raising the minimum wage by visiting:

http://giveemhellharry.com/wage

One of the biggest myths spread by the right wing is that the minimum wage is just for teenagers flipping hamburgers at McDonalds. That is simply not true. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics half of workers earning the minimum wage are people over the age of 25 and most are women. It is simply impossible to support a family on a little over $10,000 a year. With wages this low families are being forced into poverty and onto welfare. Our nation has a simple choice, welfare or work -- we choose work.

In the almost ten years since the minimum wage was raised to $5.15 per hour, Congress has received a $30,000 raise, the President a $200,000 raise, yet the American people have not received a dime more. Democrats will ensure this trend does not continue.

Will you help me demonstrate public support for increasing the minimum wage?

http://giveemhellharry.com/wage

The work of the GiveEmHellHarry.com community and millions of activists around the country is the reason Democrats are in the majority. Now we need to use the energy you created to pass legislation that will give meaning to our victory.

Thank you,

Harry Reid

Democrats Plan First 100 Hours, Give or Take a Speech

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 — House Democrats intend to kick off their new regime with a 100-hour legislative blitz that would allow them to post a series of quick victories before President Bush even delivers his State of the Union address toward the end of this month.

(snip)

The pace of activity is to be much slower in the Senate, and passage of any of the legislation by the House does not guarantee that it will be sent to the White House, given the Senate’s thin 51-49 Democratic majority.

Leading Senate Republicans have indicated that they could support the minimum wage increase, for instance, only if it is tied to tax relief for small businesses. As a result, that measure is likely to either stall or be changed, leading to negotiations with the House.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/03/washington/03cong.html?ex=1325480400&en=194525f23244d4fe&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss