The push is on with over 100 House Dems signing on to a bill to raise the minimum wage in the United States. Here is a demonstration of the hypocrisy of our President. Does he feel the same way about raising our rate as Samoa? Of course not. But he is a good foot soldier, and it doesn’t hurt that Nancy Pelosi has her own interests in Samoa. From an earlier post 2009:
Her district includes San Francisco. Star Kist Tuna’s headquarters are there. Star Kist is owned by Del Monte Foods, a major contributor to Pelosi. Star Kist employs 75% of the American Samoa workforce. Pelosi’s husband owns $17 million of Star Kist stock.
In January, 2007 minimum wage was increased from $5.15 to $7.25. Pelosi had American Samoa exempt so Del Monte would not have to pay it, making their products less expensive than competition.
When the huge bailout bill was passed Pelosi’s “earmark” was $33 million dollars for “economic development credit” in American Samoa. Hipocrisy? Free Republic
1. PAGO PAGO, American Samoa — “President Obama has signed into law legislation to freeze American Samoa’s minimum wage until 2015. The president signed the bill Thursday, which delays a 50-cent increase that would have gone into effect in September.
Minimum wage in American Samoa varies from $4.18 to $5.59 per hour, depending on the industry. The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 provided for annual 50-cents per hour increases until the rate matched the rest of the U.S., where the minimum pay is $7.25 per hour.
Employers and a government financial report have suggested automatic increases were harming the U.S. territory’s economy.”
From an AP report, “Congress is to be thanked for preventing further economic calamity in American Samoa and preventing continual increases to the minimum wage which would have led to additional layoffs in our fragile economy,” said local Chamber of Commerce Chairman David Robinson.”
H/T:Carpe Diem
BUNKERVILLE | God, Guns and Guts Comrades! 