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MINIMUM WAGE DEBATE: Plan spells disaster for Delaware businesses
February 2016 · Michael Saltsman · Delaware State News
Delaware’s Senate recently voted to raise the state minimum wage to $10.25, and the motion now heads to the House for approval. If passed, it’s unlikely the goal posts will remain there for long. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Robert Marshall is leading a drive to raise the state minimum wage to $15 an hour–a more than an 80 percent increase over the current state wage floor —… -
$15 minimum wage would reduce job opportunities
February 2016 · Michael Saltsman · Asbury Park Press
Can a $15 minimum wage in New Jersey reduce poverty and save taxpayers money? New Jersey Democrats believe so, recently arguing that a 79 percent increase in the state minimum wage from $8.38 to $15 would pull working families out of poverty while saving taxpayers money. Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski, D-Middlesex, made the pitch: “When businesses fail to pay a living wage, government is forced to fill… -
How to really help out-of-work young adults
February 2016 · Michael Saltsman · OC Register
President Obama’s fiscal year 2017 budget proposal, released last week with a $4.1 trillion price tag, contains a number of bad ideas and at least one good one: A program to help the country’s out-of-work young adults find a job. The president is right to be concerned about the plight of job-seeking young people. The $5.5 billion cost of his teen jobs initiative is best viewed as… -
Minimum-wage hike won’t aid poor, will hurt Ky.
February 2016 · Michael Saltsman · Lexington Herald Leader
The two largest cities in Kentucky have approved a higher minimum wage. That doesn’t mean the rest of the Bluegrass state should follow suit. Recently, Kentucky Democrats rallied behind raising the state minimum wage nearly 40 percent from $7.25 to $10.10 by July 2018. They argue that this will stimulate the state’s economy and give much-needed relief to families in poverty. House Speaker Greg Stumbo even went… -
Proposed minimum wage hike will hamper Nevada
February 2016 · Michael Saltsman · Las Vegas Review-Journal
Last month, a Carson City judge approved a proposed ballot measure for a $13 minimum wage, allowing supporters to begin gathering the necessary signatures to put the measure before voters in November. If approved, Nevada’s minimum wage could rise by 58 percent, gradually moving from $8.25 up to $13 in 2024. Proponents claim that the wage hike will pull families out of poverty and boost the economy,… -
Idaho Minimum Wage Increase Would Not Reduce Social Welfare Use
February 2016 · Michael Saltsman · Twin-Falls Times News
Should Idaho conservatives rally behind a minimum wage increase? Idaho Democrats seem to think so, arguing recently that an increase in the state minimum wage from $7.25 to $9.25 by 2018 will save taxpayers money by reducing spending on social welfare programs. Assistant Minority Leader Mat Erpelding boasted that, by raising the minimum wage in Idaho, the state could “get people to a place where they no…