Thursday, January 25, 2007
Governor Culver Signs Minimum Wage Increase Into Law
Governor: First Bill “Historic”; Praised Bipartisan Support
DES MOINES – Today, January 25th, 2007, Governor Chet Culver signed his first piece of legislation into law. It will increase the state’s minimum wage to $7.25 and is expected to lift more than 250,000 Iowans out of poverty.
Governor Culver said, “I want to thank the 119 members of the Iowa General Assembly who voted for this historic legislation, many of whom are with us today. You acted quickly, decisively and in a bipartisan manner. I especially appreciate the support of the majority and minority leaders in both houses, not one of whom voted against this bill. That is simply historic. Because you came together, and because of your hard work, the lives of nearly 258,000 hardworking Iowans will be improved.”
The Governor, who turns 41 today, also said of the bill, “I could not imagine a better birthday present.”
A few of those Iowans helped by the increase were on hand today to celebrate the signing of the bill. Tonya Gibson, a mother of five, said after the minimum wage goes up she won’t face the dilemmas that currently keep her up at night. “I’ll be glad when I won’t have to choose between paying my rent and paying my light bill,” she said. Gibson, 31, is currently studying to earn her GED in an attempt to get a higher paying job.
Another Iowan who attended was 24 year old Brandon Chanas, a fast food employee from Des Moines who has Downs Syndrome. He lives in a Southside Des Moines group home and has big plans for his wage increase. “I would save some for a rainy day. And I would like to go to more fun events like basketball games because I can’t afford it right now.”
Chanas said people with disabilities are celebrating the passage of this bill and he thanked Governor Culver for making it a priority and keeping his word. “He made a promise to raise the minimum wage and today it’s happening!”