A costly proposal
It is unusual that we endorse a candidate in the primary election, but we can’t ignore Congressional candidate Kate Coyne-McCoy’s call for a nearly 25 percent increase in the minimum wage to “at least $8 an hour.” It is at best irresponsible.
Therefore, we believe it is in the best interest of the business community to support Secretary of State James Langevin in his bid for the congressional seat in the second district.
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Coyne-McCoy’s proposal panders to a segment of the electorate that she hopes to capture tomorrow, but it defies logic. First, it is inconceivable that one congressperson, no matter how determined, could achieve such a dramatic increase in the minimum wage.
More importantly, this is a proposal made without any consideration of its impact, whether it will result in lost jobs, instead of increased wages; whether it will mean rising inflation, and difficulty for small businesses. As one observer suggested, “kids doing summer work to add to their college funds will not be hired for $8 an hour.”
We don’t disagree with Coyne-McCoy that those working full-time at a $6.15 an hour minimum wage have a difficult time meeting even basic needs. But we suspect there are far fewer full-time employees working at minimum wage than she would suggest. Her press release says that 25 million Americans would benefit if her proposal were law, and 100,000 Rhode Islanders – or 20 percent of the Rhode Island workforce. “Absurd,” said one economist.
What labor hopes is that by pushing the bottom wage higher, it pushes other wages up, a form of price controls, said an economist, “in this case a floor not a ceiling.”
More importantly, it ignores the reality that in a tight labor market the way to get higher wages is to have the skills. An $8 minimum wage may be a disincentive to some to seek the training that would command a higher wage in a tight labor market that is willing to pay very large premiums for skills.
”We need to talk about jobs,” said one economist, “maybe more job initiatives for job training.”
Pure and simple, Coyne-McCoy’s proposal is “bad economics.”
Justice Weisberger
When we view our state’s judiciary and measure it over time, there is no judge that can equal in service and dedication that which Justice Joseph Weisberger has given our state.
During his career on the Superior and Supreme Courts he has distinguished himself as not only a fair and wise jurist, but has won recognition across the country for many of his decisions, and from many of his colleagues.
While the Rhode Island judiciary at times has come under scrutiny, never has anyone questioned the integrity and dedication of Justice Weisberger. And while some may disagree with a decision now and then, none would question the value and considerable dedication that Justice Weisberger has given our state.
Last week he disclosed his plans to retire by the end of the year or by next July. At age 80, and after 44 years on the bench, we presume he’s entitled to that. But his wisdom and leadership will be missed.
Justice Weisberger was appointed to the Superior Court in 1953, after serving as a town solicitor, town moderate and state Senator. In 1978 he was appointed to the state Supreme Court, becoming chief justice in 1995.
We thank him for his many years of service and for establishing the standard for all members of the judiciary.
