It happened in 1990-91.

Six years later it happened again in 1996-97.

Now, it’s been 10 years since the minimum wage of American workers last increased. And we think it’s about time it happened again.

According to a study by the Center for Policy and Economic Research, the purchasing power of the minimum wage is at its lowest level in 50 years.

And although Congress missed its chance to raise the minimum wage these past few weeks, it did, however, vote to give itself a raise.

No wonder only 23 percent of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing.

Senate Democrats tried unsuccessfully to raise the federal minimum wage, which stands at just $5.15 an hour.

Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., sponsored a bill last week to increase the wage by $2.10 over two years, and the bill did find the support of 52 senators. However, many Republican leaders put up the road block, stopping the bill in its tracks, and the Republican-dominated House will not even allow the minimum wage topic to come to a vote.

The federal minimum wage for covered, nonexempt employees is $5.15 per hour. Those who make tips only get paid $2.13 an hour. That’s two bucks and thirteen pennies for an hour’s work — in the year 2006. That, folks, won’t even buy a gallon of gas today.

Even retail behemoth Wal-Mart — which arguably would be affected more than any other single company by an increase — has casually endorsed the prospect of a wage hike when CEO Lee Scott suggested to the U.S. Congress that it raise the federal minimum wage.

The problem seems simple: Congress needs to stop fawning over big business lobbyists and start doing what’s right for the American people.

There have been enough tax cuts for the wealthy to last for decades. It’s time to stand up for the little guy and raise the minimum wage.

Then, perhaps, some of these members of Congress will still have their jobs come November.