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GOP lawmaker to constituent who asked about raising minimum wage: 'Get a job'

Via Think Progress...A Republican lawmaker is asked whether he supports raising the minimum wage, and replies: "Get a job."Here's the exchange, between Rep.

Via Think Progress...A Republican lawmaker is asked whether he supports raising the minimum wage, and replies: "Get a job."

Here's the exchange, between Rep. Bill Young and a constituent, at a 4th of July parade:


 

CONSTITUENT: Hi, I’m (inaudible) how are you? Happy Fourth of July. Jesse Jackson, Jr. is passing a bill around to increase the minimum wage to 10 bucks and hour. Do you support that?YOUNG: Probably not.CONSTITUENT: 10 bucks, that would give us a living wage.YOUNG: How about getting a job?CONSTITUENT: I do have one.YOUNG: Well, then why do you want that benefit? Get a job.

Of course, the whole point of the minimum wage is to help those with low-paying jobs to support themselves and their families. So telling his questioner to "get a job," aside from just being rude, doesn't even make sense.

The minimum wage, currently $7.25 per hour, hasn't gone up since 2007.

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