ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, June 3, 1996 TAG: 9606040016
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
Are you in favor of raising the minimum wage? Why or why not?
SENATE CANDIDATES
Jim Miller\Republican
``No. I oppose most strongly any rise in the legal minimum wage. The reason is that every increase in the minimum wage creates unemployment and limits opportunities for new employment. In fact, teachers of economics (as I used to be) typically use the minimum wage as a perfect example of an ill-conceived public policy - it hurts precisely those people it is intended to help.''
John Warner\Republican
Says raising minimum wage ``would cause more harm than good.'' However, says it's clear ``there are more than enough votes'' to pass the wage bill. Says Congress should now focus on minimizing the impact through earned income tax credit or exemptions for small business.
Mark Warner\Democrat
``Yes, I strongly support an increase in the minimum wage because Virginia's working families deserve a raise. The minimum wage will soon fall to its lowest real level in 40 years, 29 percent lower than it was in 1979.'' Says increase would give people ``an incentive to choose work over welfare.''
9th DISTRICT HOUSE CANDIDATES
Rick Boucher\Democrat
``It should be raised. A person earning less than $9,000 per year for 40 hours of work per week is not making enough to support a family.'' Recently voted for minimum wage increase.
Pat Muldoon\Republican
``I'm in favor of raising the minimum wage as long as there's an allowance for small businesses, companies employing teen-agers,'' as well as those providing job training for new employees. The main problem with raising the minimum wage is that it could force employers to reduce the number of their workers.
Thomas Roberts\Virginia Independent Party
``That's a real toughie,'' because he says the government should not be involved in setting a minimum wage in the first place. ``The federal government is getting too involved in day-to-day affairs, including business
If the minimum wage goes up, should the maximum amount also be raised that early retirees can earn before it affects their Social Security benefits?
Jim Miller (R)
``Yes, especially considering that many early retirees working for the minimum wage will have opportunities foreclosed. Even for those who do not lose their jobs, it is unfair for them to lose Social Security benefits.''
John Warner (R)
Recently enacted law ``provides more than adequate relief from the anticipated increase in the minimum wage ... The maximum annual income a Social Security beneficiary under 65 may receive before his benefits are taxed is $8,280. For beneficiaries age 65 to 69, the amount is $12,500, and it will rise to $30,000 by the year 2002.''
Mark Warner (D)
``I agree with the point that you are making - the law should not discourage people who receive Social Security from working.'' Says he'd consider supporting raising maximum amount those ages 62-64 may earn before taxes, ``but only if it can be done in a fiscally responsible manner without harming the integrity of the Social Security Trust Fund.''
9th DISTRICT HOUSE CANDIDATES
Rick Boucher (D)
Points out that Congress recently raised the earnings limit for recipients over 65. As to the maximum $8,280 which a Social Security recipient under age 65 can earn annually before his benefits are taxed, ``we are planning to raise that.'' Predicts Congress will act before year's end.
Pat Muldoon (R)
``It would make sense that you wouldn't want to force people to lose their jobs.'' So, yes, if the minimum wage is increased, the ceiling for Social Security earnings should also go up.
Thomas Roberts
Virginia Independent Party
``Any kind of artificial controls that keep people from working are bad.'' He would be against setting any limits for what anyone can earn. ``Earning income for real work is helping society as a whole, and Social Security benefits should not be penalized because of it.''
LENGTH: Medium: 93 lines KEYWORDS: POLITICS CONGRESSby CNB