 |
|
|
WZTV FOX 17 - Top Stories
by CNN's Alison Kosik
NEW YORK, New York - If President Obama gets his way, America's minimum wage will take a big jump. It was a surprising addition to the State of the Union Address. President Obama revealing he wants to raise the federal minimum wage to $9/hour, affecting 15 million Americans in the process. The current minimum wage sits at $7.25/hour. An increase to $9 means workers would earn around $18,000/year, but that would still be below the poverty level for a family of 4. Currently, only 19 states pay above the federal level. That means almost 4 million workers earn at or below the rate, and that figure doesn't include employees paid on a weekly basis, like maids and landscapers. They would also benefit from an increase. Advocates for a wage hike say it would mean more money in the bank for lower income workers and would also boost consumer demand. The Federal Reserve of Chicago says a $1 jump in the rate would increase minimum wage workers' household spending by almost $3000/year. Critics say raising the minimum wage would actually cost jobs and wouldn't help reduce poverty. Small businesses, which are already set to be hit with new regulations and healthcare requirements, would be the hardest hit. Regardless, the President will have a hard time getting this proposal past Congress. 2007 was the last time a bill of this nature was passed, and all attempts since have failed.
NEW YORK, New York - If President Obama gets his way, America's minimum wage will take a big jump. It was a surprising addition to the State of the Union Address. President Obama revealing he wants to raise the federal minimum wage to $9/hour, affecting 15 million Americans in the process. The current minimum wage sits at $7.25/hour. An increase to $9 means workers would earn around $18,000/year, but that would still be below the poverty level for a family of 4. Currently, only 19 states pay above the federal level. That means almost 4 million workers earn at or below the rate, and that figure doesn't include employees paid on a weekly basis, like maids and landscapers. They would also benefit from an increase. Advocates for a wage hike say it would mean more money in the bank for lower income workers and would also boost consumer demand. The Federal Reserve of Chicago says a $1 jump in the rate would increase minimum wage workers' household spending by almost $3000/year. Critics say raising the minimum wage would actually cost jobs and wouldn't help reduce poverty. Small businesses, which are already set to be hit with new regulations and healthcare requirements, would be the hardest hit. Regardless, the President will have a hard time getting this proposal past Congress. 2007 was the last time a bill of this nature was passed, and all attempts since have failed.
Wednesday, February 13 2013, 11:05 PM CST
Tennessee News
Courthouse in line for repairs, updates
May 25, 2013 15:50 GMT
MANCHESTER, Tenn. (AP) -- Officials in Coffee County are looking to update their historic courthouse instead of replacing the 141-year-old structure.
After all, they said the building is in pretty good shape. As far as repairs, it just needs some new paint and molding, as well as work to repair some water damage. But county maintenance director Robert Gilliam says the entire structure needs updating in order to make it last until the next century.
Gilliam and County Mayor David Pennington told the Chattanooga Times Free Press (http://bit.ly/19ivpQ6 ) that officials have taken care to maintain the building and it hasn't had any major renovations in decades.
Historical society spokeswoman Joanna Lewis said the group is trying to come up with fundraising ideas for the project.
Information from: Chattanooga Times Free Press, http://www.timesfreepress.com
News Stories
Local Headlines
Courthouse in line for repairs, updates
Memphis libraries seeking funding
2 appellate court judges are stepping down
Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert at country fest
Trial wraps up in international custody battle
County to ponder school building use by suburbs
DA: Victims shot after drugs handed over
Hungry TennCare eating more of state budget
 |
|
|
Newsmax Headlines
 |
|
|
Business News
US durable goods orders rise 3.3 percent in April
WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. orders for long-lasting manufactured goods rebounded in April, buoyed by more demand for military and civilian aircraft and an increase in business investment.
Consumer Info
BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...
Science/Tech News
IN THE NEWS: RESTAURANT FLAP LEADS TO INTERNET MELTDOWN
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- It isn't exactly to curry favor with your restaurant customers -- even if your specialty isn't curry.
Get This
BEST BEACH
EAST HAMPTON, N.Y. (AP) -- Dr.
IE6 Float Fix
