The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed HR 582, “Raise the Wage Act,” and it is now being forwarded to the U.S. Senate. I want to thank our U.S. representative from the 3rd Congressional District, Scott Tipton for voting “no” on this legislation.
Of course, I would like individuals to make more than $7.25 per hour, however, HR 582 mandates a $15 minimum wage. In Montezuma County, that wage would put hundreds of young and unskilled workers out of work and result in the closing of many small businesses that struggle to stay afloat now.
This bill would also require tipped workers to be paid the minimum wage. Do you know a restaurant in our towns that could pay that wage?
Economic advisers for presidents Clinton and Obama, as well as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, are opposed to this wage increase. The consensus is that such a wage increase is more likely to lead to the loss of jobs, more poverty, and certainly to inflation.
This legislation would also be unfair to those more skilled workers currently making $15, an unintended consequence.
Everyone would be negatively impacted by the increased cost of goods and services and ultimately Montezuma County suffers.
Rep. Tipton, thank you for your rational vote in the irrational 116th Congress.
Thomas Seymour
Dolores