-
The Deathly Living Wage
May 2007 · Dr. Jill Jenkins · The American Spectator
There isn’t any other hot political debate that can match the divide between the rhetoric and the reality of the so-called “living” wage. The issue recently re-emerged on the national stage when Maryland became the first state in the nation to pass wage-level requirements on all state contractors. And before you could say “slippery slope,” living-wage advocates nationwide were calling on their local lawmakers to act likewise.… -
New Hampshire’s minimum wage hike will damage the economy
April 2007 · Dr. Jill Jenkins · The Union Leader
On April 26, the New Hampshire state senate approved a bill raising the state minimum wage to $7.25. With House approval already in the bag, the bill now goes to Gov. John Lynch, who is expected to sign it. Given the adverse effects minimum wage hikes have had on other states, New Hampshire’s sudden support is surprising to say the least. News reports nationwide confirm what economists… -
Raising minimum wage would lead to more job cuts
August 2006 · Mike Flynn · Chicago Sun-Times
The federal government’s recently released June jobs report paints a disturbing picture of the labor market, suggesting that despite strong economic growth overall, the skills divide — and therefore the wage gap — is widening. For the second month in a row, the overall unemployment rate remained at 4.6 percent — from an economic standpoint, close to full national employment. But there were significant signs pointing to… -
Minimum wage hikes hurt low-skilled workers
July 2006 · Mike Flynn · Louisville Courier-Journal
If you give someone five dollars for a magazine costing $3.98, how much change should you receive? And if someone was unable to count out that amount, would you want them manning the cash register? Or what if they were unable to fill out a job application; would you consider them for hire? This is one of the most serious — and unmentioned — issues facing employers… -
Good intent hits sour note
July 2006 · Mike Flynn · Atlanta Journal Constitution
H.L. Mencken once cannily remarked: For every complex problem there is a simple solution, and it is usually wrong. Right now the nation’s complex problem is helping struggling families better provide for themselves. The simple solution is to raise the minimum wage. Unfortunately, good intentions are often trumped by the unintended consequences that have historically followed minimum wage hikes. Higher labor costs only spur the trend of… -
Employers shouldn’t be health care scapegoats
April 2006 · Mike Flynn · North County Times
This month, after working together with businesses and economic experts, Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney signed legislation mandating that all individuals buy health insurance. The bill sets conditions for a more market-based approach, designed to make insurance more affordable throughout the state. The road taken by Massachusetts begins from the radical notion that health care is a statewide problem, affecting all citizens, and hence should be dealt with…