Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Not In Favor of Mimimum Wage Hike MADISON – According to an independent study, Governor Doyle’s proposal to raise the minimum wage to $6.80 an hour would help more than 130,000 workers in Wisconsin. The plan was immediately lambasted by a leading GOP interest group, but the Republican Party of Wisconsin has yet to take a position on the important proposal. Today, Kim Warkentin, Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, called on GOP leaders to come clean about their position on one of the most important pieces of the Governor’s economic package. “Throughout this recession, everyone’s needs have been met except those on the bottom. Congress has denied tax credits to low income families, the President left many low income families out of his tax rebate and now Wisconsin Republicans are hesitant to pay them a living wage,” said Warkentin. “A family relying on $5.15 an hour has little chance for survival – that’s a fact. But time and time again Republicans leave them out of the equation. That can’t happen in Wisconsin.” Governor Doyle outlined his proposal to grow Wisconsin’s economy the preceeding week. One of the most important components of that package was a 33 percent increase in the minimum wage. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, a GOP special interest group, immediately criticized the proposal saying it was, “the wrong direction for the state of Wisconsin.” (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 9/11/03) However, a UW-Madison report found there was no evidence of declining job growth overall after the last minimum wage increase and there was no decline in the service or retail industries specifically. (Wisconsin State Journal, 9/16/03) “Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce may feel that a minimum wage increase is ‘the wrong direction for Wisconsin,’ but they don’t represent anyone making minimum wage. Now it’s time for Wisconsin Republicans to show us who they represent,” said Warkentin. “An increase in the minimum wage will improve the quality of life for some of Wisconsin’s poorest families, yet the GOP remains silent. You can’t help but wonder if this will be yet another example of Republicans putting the interest of CEO’s over the interest of working families,” Warkentin said. The Center on Wisconsin Strategy has released a report showing that 130,400 Wisconsin workers earning minimum wage would benefit from the increase. The study also predicted that 147,600 workers earning near $6.80 could receive an increase as a result.