 |
| June 22, 2006--In a speech at the National Press Club, former Sen.
John Edwards proposed setting a national goal of eliminating poverty in
30 years. Among the elements of his plan are raising the minimum
wage, the creation of one million transition jobs, and radical overhaul
of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In prepared remarks
Edwards called for creation of a "Working Society" where "work is not only
a source of a paycheck, but also a source of dignity and independence and
self respect."
Asked how much his proposals would cost, Edwards said "between $15 and 20 billion a year, probably closer to 20." He said that some elements, such raising the minimum wage and making it easier for workers to organize, would have no cost. The effort could be paid for by foregoing Republican efforts to repeal the estate tax. "The most important thing is that the country have the will," Edwards said. |
 |
 |
 |
| Links
One America Committee |
| Copyright © 2006 Eric M. Appleman/Democracy in Action |  |