The New Wage and Benefits Bill, signed last week, requires employers with city contracts to pay their workers up to 150 percent of the federal minimum wage and to provide health benefits equal to their full-time employees. This goes into effect next year.

The bill enhances a 2005 city law that made city-supported employers pay workers 150 percent of the state minimum. Councilman W. Wilson Goode Jr. introduced both measures.

This means employees whose companies have contracts with the city will get paid at least $10.88 per hour starting in July 2009.

Every little bit can help create better lives for those who survive on the margins. Good-paying jobs are not only good for workers, but the community as well.

Still, it's shameful that laws such as Goode's are needed to boost woefully low wages set by state and federal governments - and eagerly adhered to by some businesses.

After being stuck at $5.15 for 10 years, the federal minimum wage went to $5.85 an hour in 2007 - just a couple of dollars more than a gallon of gas. It will be $6.55 in July.

Pennsylvania's minimum was also at $5.15 for 10 years. Now it's $7.15, and increases 10 cents next year.

In the city, businesses including for-profit service contractors with city contracts of $10,000 or more a year with annual gross receipts of more than $1 million and nonprofit service contractors with more than $100,000 a year, will feel the impact. To ensure a smooth transition, Nutter must get the Living Wage Advisory Committee, which would review the bill's effectiveness, back on track before year's end. *