Again another example of the GOP being anti-labor, and Rep. Dave Baker's bill proves it. I suspected that Baker being a business person would have his own agenda, and the bill he is currently proposing proves as much. It is wrong.
The GOP has taken labor and unions back decades. It started with Reagan selling us out to corporate interests. Republicans like to brag how great the middle class was in the 1950s but what they forgot to mention was we were union strong. Many workers made a wage that could support a family.
Dad worked, mom stayed home and raised the kids. Dad had a decent retirement. Now in this day and age it has been a struggle, even a risk, and why? Greed - that is why.
Look what happened in 2008, when many workers had their retirement looted. Again, Wall Street, banks and insurance companies were bailed out at our expense, while predatory lending helped demolish the housing industry.
The minimum wage increase to $9.50 is still a wage that is not livable, but it is a start and a worker making some tips should not be penalized. The GOP has always voted against an increase in the minimum wage. Now if the minimum wage was to get an increase every year since 1970, we would be at $21 an hour.
ADVERTISEMENT
Everything else increases, except the minimum wage. Then you wonder why workers still need food stamps and Medical Assistance to help with their families. Also some combat vets have to depend on food stamps to support their families. That is disturbing.
We should also reel in big corporations dodging the IRS by using offshore accounts, yet receiving big tax breaks because they provide jobs. Maybe it's time the GOP should start addressing this issue and start to get in tune with labor in this country.
Joe Raines
Willmar
