Legislation authored by Councilmember David Catania (I-At-large) that increases the D.C. minimum wage to $6.60 per hour in January 2004 and to $7.00 per hour in January 2006 was approved today by unanimous vote.

At Catania's urging, the D.C. Council allowed the Department of Employment Services to begin implementing the change in November.

Working full time at the current minimum wage, one can expect to earn $12,792 a year. This is barely above the federal poverty guideline for a family of two ($12,490). An increase to $7.00 per hour would result in almost $2,000 of additional annual income for between 3,500 and 15,000 D.C. residents.

"The efforts of hard-working citizens justify a deserving wage," Catania urged. "Two thousand dollars would have a significant impact in the lives of these individuals and their families. That new income could be spent on housing, child care, groceries or advanced education."

Since 1997, the value of the $6.15 D.C. minimum wage has decreased 14%. Councilmember Catania hopes to close that gap by increasing the rate in two steps, eventually reaching $7.00 per hour in January 2006. The change is expected to affect more than 18,000 wage earners in the District.

Catania continued, "This is a measure of fairness and it's the right and decent thing to do. We must restore the loss in purchasing power to thousands of residents who depend on two or three jobs to make ends meet."

In addition to the minimum wage bill, the Council approved legislation authored by Catania that increases the weekly unemployment benefit amount by $50. The Financial Control Board established the current rate in 1997. While the District benefit remained the same, surrounding jurisdictions increased the benefit paid to unemployed workers as much as 38%.

In other votes, the Council agreed to Catania measures that authorizes funds to upgrade the administration of the unemployment compensation system; eliminates the pension off-set when considering unemployment benefits; and expands the number of D.C. residents participating in apprenticeship programs registered with governmental bodies.

For more information on any of these actions, please contact the Office of Councilmember David A. Catania by calling 202-724-7772 or visiting www.davidcatania.com.