Lawmaker revives plan to ensure troops make at least minimum wage

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Lawmaker revives plan to ensure troops make at least minimum wage
By Leo Shane III
Apr 14, 04:25 PM
A proposal from Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif., would ensure that all troops receive a base salary of at least $31,200 a year, the equivalent of a civilian sector minimum wage of $15 an hour. (Elise Amendola/AP)

A California congressman is reintroducing plans to guarantee that all service members are paid at least minimum wage for their work, insisting the move is needed to help junior troops avoid financial troubles. The plan went nowhere last session under a Democratically controlled House, but might have more luck with the GOP in charge.

The proposal from Republican Rep. Mike Garcia would set the minimum pay for any member of the military at $31,200 a year, the equivalent of $15 an hour for a 40-hour work week. The Pentagon objected to Garcia’s similar proposals in the past, citing the expense of paying for higher salaries and noting that the plan does not factor in additional compensation that troops already receive.

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