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Minimium wage hike dims teens’ chances
August 2007 · Jill Jenkins · The San Diego Union-Tribune
School’s out for the summer. And it’s harder than ever to find a job if you’re a teen. The Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University estimates that this summer about 64 percent of 16-19 year-olds won’t have a job. That matches the worst rate recorded in the last 57 years. And the percentage of teens classified as “unemployed” – those who are actively seeking a… -
A Raise Won’t End Poverty
July 2007 · Dr. Jill Jenkins · The New York Times
Washington — HOW much do you think the average New York household with one minimum wage worker earns per year? $10,000? $15,000? $20,000? Wrong, wrong and wrong. It’s $53,370 a year, according to the latest census bureau figures. True, with that kind of money, a minimum wage worker won’t be buying the Knicks anytime soon. But it does put him comfortably in the middle class, with a… -
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…