Minimum wage will be increased next week

Tuesday, Aug. 26, 1997 | 5:17 a.m.

Dahn said Tuesday the increase affects anyone 18 or older working within the state. For workers 17 or younger, the minimum wage will be $4.38 hourly.

The increase coincides with a similar increase in the federal minimum wage - the result of a successful fight last year by congressional Democrats.

Although GOP leaders in both houses opposed the minimum wage hike last year, they were forced to capitulate when moderate Republicans began agitating for an increase.

This year, Democrats led by Sen. Edward M. Kennedy and House Minority Whip David E. Bonior are trying to boost the federal minimum wage to $7.25 an hour by 2002.

However, the moderate Republicans who were key to success a year ago aren't as eager to enter the fray this time around.

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