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Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

Is $4.25 An Hour A Fair Salary?

What does $4.25 buy? Many Americans ask themselves that question every day as they work at jobs that pay $4.25 an hour--the minimum wage. This is the lowest rate per hour that an employer is allowed by law to pay a worker.

The last time the wage was raised was five years ago. Many members of Congress want to increase the minimum wage 90 cents an hour over the next two years. They say that a minimum-wage worker supporting a family of four lives below the U.S. poverty level.

Those against the pay raise argue that it might destroy hundreds of thousands of jobs. With a higher minimum wage, companies that want to keep their costs down might not be able to hire as many workers.

President Bill Clinton has been pushing for an increase in the minimum wage. Last week he urged Congress to pass a simple bill to do just that.

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