Labor Day Countdown: Rehberg Doesn’t Know the Minimum Wage

To count down the days to Labor Day, the Montana Democratic Party will release a daily look back at some of Congressman Rehberg’s most irresponsible quotes and votes against the middle class.

In March of this year Congressman Rehberg admitted on camera that he didn’t know the minimum wage.

Congressman Rehberg ought to know the minimum wage; he’s AGAINST raising it. In 1996 he even told the Livingston Enterprise, “I don’t want to cost Montanans a job because an employer cannot afford to hire them. I think there are better alternatives.” [Livingston Enterprise, 6/24/96]

See these votes:  CQ House Action Reports, No. 110-3, 3/20/07 (The measure passed 218-212).  [HR 1591, Vote #186, 3/23/07; HR2389, Vote #382, 7/19/06. 

Congressman Rehberg does know the wage for millionaire members of Congress; he’s voted to raise his own pay over and over again:

• By $3,300 in 2006. (H RES 865, Vote #261, 6/13/06; Congressional Research Service, Salaries for Members of Congress: Congressional Votes). This pay raise was later blocked by the Democratic Congress in 2007.
• By $3,100 in 2005.  HR 342, Vote #327, 6/28/05)
• By $4,000 in 2004. (H Res 770, Vote #451, 9/14/04)
• By $3,400 in 2003.  (H. Res. 351, Vote #463, 9/4/03)
• By $4,700 in 2002. (H. Res. 488, Vote #322, 7/18/02)