Democrats trying to hike the minimum wage is as surprising as (sorry, they’re not surprising at all). So, yes, there are a handful of bills this session from Democrats to do that. Each assumes that busy-bodies in Concord know better than job creators. But Donna Soucy’s latest effort is particularly bothersome.
Related: NH Mean Hourly Wages: Proof That Less Government Interference Equals More Income?
First, we have to get this out of the way. Every other state in New England has messed with their minimum wage except New Hampshire. How’d that work out?
“In 2018, New Hampshire was no.1 for economic opportunity (US News and World Report); child well-being (Annie E. Carsey Foundation), and, for the fourth year in a row, Politico proclaimed New Hampshire as the Best State in the Union. The state placed high in other areas, including: Best state to live in; to raise a family; quality of life; best economy; best taxpayer ROI.”
No Meddling required.
We have historically high employment. In a state where average wages are well above any arbitrary sum proposed by Democrats. And only a sliver of workers earns “minimum wage.” And most of them don’t vote.
Why Bother?
So, for Democrats, raising the minimum wage has nothing to do with any of that.
Are they hoping to tank the economy? Do they hate job creators and small business owners? We know that cities and states where these arbitrary hikes are imposed suffer job losses and increased homelessness. Is Democrat State Senate President Donna Soucy trying to put more people out on the street? Create government dependents and convert that into votes to grow government and expand taxpayer-funded relief?
Maybe. But, it’s probably Union Bosses.
Whether or not union employees make more than any “minimum wage” the Left might propose, unions typically want existing pay adjusted when any sum raises the floor. The more union employees make the more dues union bosses can charge. The more money the Bosses can redirect into in-kind contributions for Democrats, their priorities, or directly into their campaigns.
Soucy’s ‘New’ Idea
Democrat Donna Soucy has been proposing wage hikes every year since the Left embraced the fight for fifteen narratives. Ever. Damn. Year. The sum is always different, and the bills always fail because “Republicans,” and if we’re honest, these meaningless show ponies don’t work. Unless by work you mean leave unskilled, young, or new workers unemployed or unemployable. It does that in spades.
Senate Bill 10 – so numbered after the $10 “starting wage” – won’t go into effect for almost a year, so it would give employers “plenty of time to ramp up,” Soucy told NH Business Review. When and how much the wage will go up after that has yet to be determined, but the “ceiling” will be based on a “sliding scale,” depending on economic conditions. The language determining how that will work was not available at deadline.
Employers would also be able to meet the minimum in other ways besides money, she said. The proposal will count some benefits, such as paid sick days, as part of the wage package.
Offering paid family leave would not count because Democrats have a Bill (SB 1) with which they intend to ram that down your throat on top of this. And what do you say about that “counting some benefits” language? Screw with wages and benefits in one bill.
But ignoring that, how much trust do you as a business owner in a government that while imposing a known mechanism to ruin the economy says “When and how much the wage will go up… will be based on a “sliding scale,” depending on economic conditions. “
Maybe I don’t have to worry, you say? Democrats will tank the State economy and then…crap.
Look on the bright side. When your company closes up you can get a “good paying job” at $10.00 an hour because you, at least, have experience.
Image Credit: WMUR
