LAWMAKERS SET TO VOTE ON MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE THAT COULD SPELL DISASTER FOR DELAWARE
DOVER (January 20, 2016): On
the eve of Governor Markell’s state of the state address, the National
Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is urging both the Governor and
lawmakers to reconsider what the states leading small business group has deemed
a disastrous and detrimental proposal to job creators in Delaware.
“By debating the astronomical
minimum wage increase of $15.05, lawmakers in Delaware have set off down a
dangerous path for the economic stability of our state. In spite of repeated
attempts by economists and researchers to demonstrate the devastating impact
that an increase will have on employment, our elected officials just refuse to
table these discussions,” according to NFIB Delaware state director, Mike
O’Halloran. “Make no mistake about the consequences of such an action. Not only
will it fall short of empowering minimum wage employees, it will make it
virtually impossible to operate a business in this state.”
Lawmakers are poised to debate two
pieces of legislation shortly after the Governor’s state of the state. Senate
Bill 39 will raise Delaware’s minimum wage from $8.25 to $10.25. Senate
Amendment No. 1 to Senate Bill 39 would raise the state’s minimum wage to $15.05,
making it the highest mandated wage in the nation in spite of several
economists that have publically stated that studies provide little, if no
convincing evidence of positive employment effects of minimum wages.
“Lawmakers must understand that
their feel-good measure of raising the minimum wage under the false pretense of
advocating for the poor is nothing more than a self-satisfying gimmick that
will ultimately result in fewer jobs for the state with the highest minimum
wage in the nation,” continued O’Halloran. “It’s time to roll up our sleeves
and push for more legislation that will reduce regulation
and lessen the financial burden to run a business. In doing so, small business
owners will pass on the savings to their employees without being mandated by
unnecessary laws.”
