Debate has been heating up again in DC over the federal minimum wage. Last week a proposed amendment in the Senate to raise the minimum wage from the current $5.15 to $7.25 failed to get 60 votes - but 52 Senators (including 8 Republicans) supported it. In the House, the Appropriations committee (breaking with the Republican leadership) attached a $2.10 hike in the rate to a major spending bill - but now that bill may not see a vote until after the elections. This week, Harry Reid said he'd block the next scheduled Congressional pay raise ($3,300 to be added to the current $162,500 salary) unless the minimum wage is raised. Congress has given itself $31K in annual pay raises in the 9 years the minimum wage has been frozen. When even Wal-Mart comes out in favor of raising the minimum wage, it seems like we may have the opportunity to help move this important issue forward...