Monday, December 18, 2006

More on minimum wage

Yesterday, I began a discussion on the impact of the minimum wage and commended Congressman Walz on his support for an increase. Reading the conservative blogs, we find that the opposition to an increase is strong, to say the least.

I question the right's stance on this issue. Conservatives lack consistency. For instance, we know that the number one reason for abortion in society today is economic. When we see the tough economic times that families struggle with today, increasing the minimum wage seems like it would have a significant positive impact on these families.

David Card and Alan Kreuger have a book that has been out for almost a decade now, titled Myth and Measurement: The New Economics of the Minimum Wage. Perhaps that will be a post X-mas read!

The book, somewhat controversial, studies the impact of wage increases in multiple states in the 1990's. It is not an anecdotal analysis, but a rather stark look at the real impact of these increases and dispels many myths behind wage increases.

Compassionate conservativism...a lack of a consistent moral ethic.

I support an increase in the minimum wage and applaud the courage of Congressman Walz to not only get to work in DC, but hold true to his campaign ideals as well!

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