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Oregon’s high minimum wage has had consistent negative effects on employment
February 2016 · Michael Saltsman · Philadelphia Inquirer
Calling Oregon a “trailblazer” for passing a bill that will institute the highest minimum wage in the country overlooks the consequences of embarking on such a path (“Oregon lawmakers approve landmark minimum wage increase,” Philly.com, Thursday). Oregon has long had one of the highest minimum wages in the country, and its least skilled job seekers have suffered as a result. Last year, for example, the state’s youth… -
Focus on benefits of Earned Income Tax Credit
February 2016 · Michael Saltsman · Des Moines Register
Mike Owen writes, “Raise the wage, raise the EITC. It’s a win-win for low-wage workers and our economy.” But research suggests that one of these proposals — raising the minimum wage — is actually far from a win for both the working poor and the economy [Minimum wage, EITC both need boosts, Feb. 12]. Last December, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco released a report concluding that recent… -
A $15 minimum wage is bad economic policy
February 2016 · Michael Saltsman · Buffalo News
Brian McMahon, executive director of the New York State Economic Development Council, is correct that all sectors of the state’s economy would suffer from a $15 minimum wage. But mounting evidence suggests the pain would be most acute for restaurants. (“$15 minimum wage would be a retreat from prosperity,” Feb. 3 News.) On Dec. 31, 2015, the state instituted a $2.50 an hour increase to the wages… -
Mandatory paid sick leave won’t help workers
August 2013 · Michael Saltsman · The Baltimore Sun
Mandatory paid sick leave isn’t the cure-all that op-ed writer Paul Kinzie makes it out to be. (“Paid sick leave for food workers makes us all healthier,” August 7). There’s a growing body of evidence that shows that these laws actually hurt the employees they’re intended to help. For instance, a study by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research — a group supportive of paid sick leave laws —… -
Minimum Wage Hikes Don’t Help
July 2013 · Michael Saltsman · The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore’s heart may be in the right place on the minimum wage, but the evidence is clear that minimum wage hikes actually harm the people they’re supposed to help. (“Minimum wage raise urged,” July 16). The economics aren’t tough to understand. Businesses that hire entry-level employees who earn the minimum wage — think restaurants or grocery stores — keep a few cents in profit… -
Nicodemus Wrong on Minimum Wage
July 2013 · Michael Saltsman · Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Aaron Nicodemus’ opinion piece in favor of a minimum wage hike with annual increases based on inflation (“Minimum wage should be tied to consumer index,” Sunday Telegram, June 16) is high on emotion but short on fact. As a result, he missed some basic economic evidence. The economics aren’t tough to understand. Businesses that hire entry-level employees who earn the minimum wage — think restaurants or grocery…