Comments Sought On Minimum Wage

Seeking ammunition for a battle in Congress, the Clinton administration opened a toll-free phone line Tuesday to let low-income workers explain why they need an increase in the minimum wage.

“I want to hear from more minimum-wage workers,” said Labor Secretary Robert Reich. “What is it like to try to live on an annual income that every member of Congress earns in barely three weeks?”

President Clinton has proposed raising the wage floor from $4.25 an hour to $5.15 in two 45-cent steps. The Republican congressional leadership opposes any change.

“The minimum wage is not a livable wage,” Reich said in a speech to a women’s group Tuesday.

Reich said the toll-free phone line will take calls through Nov. 17. The toll-free number is (800) 786-4975.