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Health Care Column Cites Dubious Statistic
August 2009 · Kristen Lopez Eastlick · Daily Evergreen
In the Monday column “Public option is a necessity,” Gavin Mathis cites a figure of 46 million uninsured Americans. This oft-quoted statistic is actually a gross overestimation of the problem, as recent research suggests the number of Americans who cannot currently afford health insurance is much lower. A new study by Dr. June O’Neill, who served as Director of the Congressional Budget Office from 1995-99, shows that… -
Wrong Number Of Uninsured
August 2009 · Kristen Lopez Eastlick · Vail Daily
To elaborate on Sarah Ray’s Friday letter, “Disagree with health reform plan,” the oft-quoted 46 million uninsured statistic is actually a gross overestimation of the health care problem, as recent research suggests the number of Americans who cannot currently afford health insurance is much lower. A new study by Dr. June O’Neill, who served as director of the Congressional Budget Office from 1995 to 1999, shows that… -
Wage laws hurt vulnerable workers
August 2009 · Kristen Lopez Eastlick · Battle Creek Enquirer
Michigan’s unemployment rate has skyrocketed 88 percent from June 2008 to June 2009, yet some politicians are pushing a proposal that would cause additional job loss in the state (“More insanity from Democrats,” July 25). Passing additional minimum wage increases, while a popular political tool, will only hurt vulnerable, entry-level workers. Wage increases – typically meant to alleviate poverty – fail to target those families who are… -
Minimum wage hike leads to job losses
August 2009 · Kristen Lopez Eastlick · Circleville Herald
Dear Editor, Federal politicians’ “feel-good” rhetoric—most recently via the July 24th minimum wage increase—merely reinforces policies that result in unemployment for entry-level workers, especially in a weak economy (“Keeping prosperity around the corner,” 7/29). Decades of economic research predicted that there would be an increase in job losses following minimum wage hikes, particularly among vulnerable groups like minority teens and adults without a high school diploma. As… -
Wage Hike Hurts Entry-Level Workers
August 2009 · Kristen Lopez Eastlick · Detroit News
Michigan’s unemployment rate has skyrocketed 88 percent from June 2008 to June 2009, yet some politicians are pushing a proposal that would cause additional job loss in the state (“Ballot proposals would drive final nails into Michigan’s coffin,” July 24). Passing additional minimum wage increases, while a popular political tool, will only hurt vulnerable, entry-level workers. Wage increases — typically meant to alleviate poverty — fail to… -
Policies Harm Young Workers
August 2009 · Kristen Lopez Eastlick · Mobile Press Register
Regarding the Press-Register’s Aug. 3 editorial, “Minimum wage increase hurts low-skill workers,” federal politicians’ “feel-good” rhetoric — most recently via the July 24 minimum wage increase — merely reinforces policies that result in unemployment for entry-level workers, especially in a weak economy. Decades of economic research predicted that there would be an increase in job losses following minimum wage hikes, particularly among vulnerable groups like minority teens…