Working Men and Women

Congressman Pence has been no friend to working men and women. Pence’s blueprint calls for a repeal of the minimum wage, arguing that “accidents of birth... are never fair.” The blueprint also calls for repeal of the Americans with Disabilities Act and an end to family leave law.

In Congress, Pence opposed raising the minimum wage, even calling it “excessive.”

The Blueprint

Repeal the minimum wage

“…the minimum wage…and all other attempts at social engineering have diminished rather than enhanced the lives of the greater number of American workers.” (p.120)

"Repeal the minimum wage” (p.121)

“The only way the inner-city kids could compete with their privileged counterparts is if they were allowed to work for less…Why is it more fair to condemn them to a zero wage?”

“Some will argue that it is unfair for inner-city youth to receive lower wages because of conditions they did not create. This is undoubtedly true. Accidents of birth however, are never fair.” (p.124)

Repeal the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“For the most part then, it is obvious that the government should stop passing new laws and repeal a lot of old ones... Some examples: The new Americans with Disabilities Act... presumes that the government knows better than the businessman how to run the business.” (p.18)

Family leave law should be stopped because employees will “sue for big money”.

“Some in Congress are now promoting a “family leave” bill that will force employers to give employees extended leaves of absence under a variety of circumstances. If enacted this law will, doubtless, add several inches of new regulatory paper to the ever-increasing stack on the employer’s desk while encouraging disappointed employees (and their lawyers) to sue for big money. Meanwhile, the employer will be left to figure out how he can keep his business going while various employees disappear for weeks at a time.” (p.19)

The Pence Record

Pence calls increase in minimum wage “excessive”

“This increase in the minimum wage is excessive and will hurt the poor and those entering the workforce by reducing the number of entry-level positions in our economy. Minimum wage increases raise unemployment among teenagers, minorities and part-time workers. The minimum wage violates fundamental free market economics.” – Pence (Press release, July 28, 2006)

Pence votes twice against increasing the minimum wage

No to a bill that would increase the minimum wage to $7.25. (H.R. 5970, Estate Tax and Extension of Tax Relief Act)

No to a motion (S. 250 motion) that would “instruct conferees on S. 250 (the vocational education bill) to agree to a minimum wage increase.” (Republican Study Committee report, January 2007)