Tom Birmingham on Jobs

Former State Senate President; Democratic Challenger MA Governor

Increase the minimum wage to $6.75 per hour, and index it

In 1995, he led the successful fight to override the Governor’s veto of the minimum wage increase. In 1999, Tom sponsored the bill to raise the minimum wage to $6.75. “If you work for a living, you ought to be able to earn a living,” Tom said explaining his leadership on the issue.

Now Tom is fighting to index the minimum wage to inflation so that our lowest wage workers don’t see their wages slowly eroded by inflation. Under Tom’s leadership the Senate unanimously approved this legislation.

Source: Campaign web site, TomBirmingham.org Nov 24, 2001

$18M yearly for workforce training & adult literacy

Global competition means that all of us will need to continue to be educated and retrained throughout our careers. To to keep Massachusetts businesses competitive in the world market, Tom established a new $18 million-a-year fund to finance new worker training programs. Grants to businesses, unions, and other organizations fund direct training that encourages new job creation and enhances productivity. And Tom has consistently supported efforts to strengthen adult basic education and literacy programs Source: Campaign web site, TomBirmingham.org Nov 24, 2001

Strengthen prevailing wage laws

Tom fought for meaningful wage enforcement laws to help employees secure wages owed but denied by employers who refuse to comply with state wage laws. This law strengthens prevailing wage, minimum wage and overtime standards. Source: Campaign web site, TomBirmingham.org Nov 24, 2001

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