Religious Action Center

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Status

The Fair Labor Standards Act, signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938, was passed to ensure that workers would be paid fair wages and be treated fairly. It set the minimum wage at 25 cents an hour. This law remains in effect today, periodically updated to reflect inflation.

Legislative Summary

The Minimum Wage Increase of 2007, Minimum Wage Legislation at the State Level, and Living Wage Ordinances.

The Jewish Perspective

Though the Torah recognizes that we cannot necessarily eliminate all poverty, we are taught that we must work to alleviate its impact. Making sure the poor are provided for is a responsibility for society as well as for the individual.

Press Releases

Press Releases and Statements from the Religious Action Center on this issue.

Living Wage

A full-time minimum wage worker earns $15,080 per year, less than the poverty level for a family of three. Living wage campaigns seek to remedy this situation.

For More Information

To learn more, contact RAC Legislative Assistant David Goodman, or visit the following websites:

The Economic Policy Center’s minimum wage website has the most up-to-date economic analysis of the issue.
Americans for Democratic Action (ADA)is a social advocacy organization dedicated, in part, to promoting an adequate minimum wage.
Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) is
A leader in fighting for local living wage ordinances and higher state minimum wages.
The AFL-CIO is a leading force in the movement to raise the minimum wage.
Let Justice Roll is a coalition of faith and community voices fighting against poverty. The Let Justice Roll webpage has many resources for organizing your local community.

Last updated September 8, 2006

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Upcoming Conferences and Events

Bernard and Audre Rapoport
L'Taken Social Justice Seminars
for High School Students

Social Justice Summer in DC:
Machon Kaplan
June 23 - July 25, 2010

Save the Date!
Consultation on Conscience
May 1 -3, 2011