House Minority Leader Michel said that the President would show no flexibility on his position on the minimum wage. The president said his support for those increases hinges on a provision allowing employers to pay new workers a sub-minimum wage for six months regardless of any past experience with another employer. Senator Kennedy, whose Senate bill calls for a higher wage than the House, said that he would offer an amendment to make his bill identical to that of the House. A new poll showed strong backing for the increased wage even it triggered higher consumer prices, but fewer favored it if it meant loss of jobs. The White House has not yet responded to these developments. The House bill would raise the wage to $4.55
House Minority Leader Michel said that the President would show no flexibility on his position on the minimum wage. Senator Kennedy, whose Senate bill calls for a higher wage than the House, said that he would offer an amendment to make his bill identical to that of the House. A new poll showed strong backing for the increased wage even it triggered higher consumer prices, but fewer favored it if it meant loss of jobs. The White House has not yet responded to these developments. The House bill would raise the wage to $4.55