A higher minimum wage comes with high cost

A higher minimum wage comes with high cost

By Michael Coulter

You know what they say, Ralph, “Heaven is paved with good intentions.” Wait, actually, the saying is “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” An alternative form is “Hell is full of good meanings, but heaven is full of good works.”

Such an appropriate description of one of our esteemed politicians in Little Rock who understands how raising the minimum wage really does hurt those who need unskilled jobs the most.

What Sen. Bob Ballinger wants to do is exempt certain workers from the minimum wage increase Arkansas voters unanimously endorsed during the most recent general election.

Now Ralph, let’s admit that what Ballinger is doing is watering down what we, the majority of voters, decided upon and in doing so simply telling us we didn’t realize the consequences of our actions. Let be say that I opposed raising the minimum wage for the same reasons cited by Sen. Ballinger, and I will explain why.

But, on the other hand, let’s admit that history has clearly proven that government forcing private business to increase their pay forces them to make decisions that affects the non-skilled workers, a reduction in payroll as well as increased costs for services rendered or merchandise sold.

In fact Ralph, the world’s largest fast-food chains, McDonald’s has taken steps to install Kiosk machines where patrons place and pay for their orders rather than deal with behind-the-counter, low-skilled workers.

In fact Ralph, Kiosk machines are increasing in popularity everywhere. They serve as directories, information guides, check-in services, lobby attendants and much more.

In the manufacturing sector robots are replacing workers requiring repetitive tasks all designed to replace costly human beings who demand higher pay, demand subsidized company health care, sick leave, maternity leave, vacations, paid holidays and other labor demands.

Robots, of course, don’t require any of these demands other than routine maintenance.

Sen. Ballinger is getting criticized by the liberal media pundits and even among his peers for trying to usurp the will of the people.

Ballinger's intentions, I believe, are to understand how raising the minimum wage hurts those Arkansans among us who need unskilled jobs the most.

His bill would exempt anyone under 18, as well as employees of nonprofits or employees of small businesses.

You know as well as I do Ralph that raising the minimum wage from $8.50 to $11 by 2021 will have a negative impact on small mom-and-pop businesses, negatively impact non-skilled workers, affect even the larger businesses resulting in higher costs for the consumer.

You and I both knew when this issue was placed on the ballot that Arkansans, particularly the unskilled, less educated and younger generation, would vote for more money not recognizing or understanding the consequences.

Listen Ralph, I agree with Ballinger “good” intentions here but by the same token I am going to have to say that when two-thirds of Arkansas voters went along with this higher minimum wage let the chips fall where they may.

The voters have spoken and it is not Ballinger’s business nor the politicians to modify what they voted for regardless of the obvious consequences of their actions.