Democrats Cry Foul Over Democratic Legislation
When the House recently passed legislation that would, among other things, increase the Federal minimum wage by over $2, it was done so with Republican support. It seemed as though the Republicans, who have continuously opposed such legislation, were throwing their democratic counterparts a bone. Yet, despite whining about the issue for a large portion of this congressional session, Democrats are now turning on the proposition en masse. Senator Feinstein and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom both oppose the increase in minimum wage, because of a provision that would allow tip credits.
Tip credits create an exemption for those who earn a substantial portion of their wage from tips, such that they can be paid a lower hourly wage. Specifically, the lower threshhold is $2.13 an hour. Because the Federal law would allow such tip credits, California Democrats are now opposing the very same type of legislation they have been calling for. In fact, the San Francisco Board of Stupid-visors had this to say:
“It would be outrageous for the United States Congress to pre-empt the sovereign authority of the voters of San Francisco.”
Preempt San Francisco? How dare the federal government assume they have some sort of authority over the Sovereign Socialist Republic of San Francisco? Of course, this sentiment fits in nicely with San Francisco’s willingness to ignore Federal Law whenever it chooses. I’m all for State’s right, but I recognize that authority does, ultimately, often rest at the Federal level.
Like these Democrats, I too oppose this legislation. However, I only do so because a minimum wage increase does not make for good, sound, economic policy. The Minimum Wage is the worst thing to happen to the poor, and to that end I oppose the legislation. Yet, Democrats are opposing it only because it was proposed by Republicans…mind you at the pressure of Congressional Democrats.
Cross-Posted at The Gentle Cricket
August 2nd, 2006 at 3:54 pm
San Francisco has been ignoring federal and state laws it doesn’t like for years.
Just last week, two members of the Bored of Stupervisors introduced legislation that would deny funding to the Sheriff’s Department to carry out court-ordered evictions in Ellis Act cases. (For those of you not in CA, the “Ellis Act” is a state law that allows a landlord to “go out of business”, evict his tenants, and sell the building with empty units. It’s usually the only way landlords in SF can get rid of tenants due to our draconian rent control)The proposed SF law would essentially forbid the county Sheriff from carrying out a Superior Court order. The head of the SF Tenants’ Union actually said that SF would refuse to enforce this state law. If it passes, you can imagine the reaction of a judge to a Sheriff who refused to carry out an order of the Court. Actually it happened once before. The Judge had the Sheriff arrested and jailed for refusing to evict (International Hotel), and then threatened the next-in-charge with jail. He complied with the Court. Any landlord that this happened to could, of course, sue for millions in damages.
SF also refuses to enforce Prop 209. I work for the city government, and all hiring forms still require applicants to “check the box” of race. The school board here insists on using race in school assignment, which is expressly forbidden by Prop 209, a state law upheald by federal courts.
It just goes on and on. We are the only city that still gives vagrants General Assistance forever. Most other counties limit it to 90 days. SF County (city and county is same thing) has over 10,000 people on General Assistance. Orange County, with three times the population, has less than 1000, and only aids 90 days.
This city, as I have said before, is the poster child for bad government. If you want to see what an American city looks like after 10 years of hard-Left government, come here and see.
August 2nd, 2006 at 6:13 pm
Um, don’t you think you’re being more than a bit disingenuous here? The reason that Democrats are fighting against the package passed in the House is because of the HUGE tax break being given to the wealthy that was snuck into the bill by the Republicans. Rightly, these issues ought to be voted on separately. Regardless of how you feel about the tip provision, specifically, and minimum wages, in general, at least be honest.
August 2nd, 2006 at 6:48 pm
Did you watch the Freedman clip, wherein he says that there are always two groups of proponents of any idea: the “do-gooders” and those with “special interests?” Well, this legislation, and in particular, this article are perfect examples of these two groups. ReppubliCONs, who are terrified that they’re going to lose the House, are pulling a fast one with this shameful trickery, bunching together more outrageous tax cuts for the wealthy and a minor increase in the minimum wage. Which side appears to be the do-gooders vs. which side is the special interests? Hmm, lets see.
Through arcane wording — a Washington specialty — the RepubliCONs are conning the country with the promise of increasing the minimum wage. But, they build in this neat little trick that allows business to actually lower the wage by crediting tips against wages. So, that waiter working for wages that won’t even pay for a studio apartment? Cut his wages! That bellman who routinely hefts 50 pound-luggage into the back of a cab? Cut his wages!
But that fat-cat who leaves millions to his worthless children? Cut his taxes! That’s right, screw the folks who work for a living, reward the wealthy for… being wealthy! How the RepubliCONs have conned the American people to think that the less than 1% of all estates that pay the inheritance tax is a bad thing, is just beyond me. Of course, call it a ‘death tax’ and go around saying you’re going to get taxed upon death, and everybody would be against it. Nevermind that the tax code already has provisions for family businesses, farms, and a general exemption for the first half-million or so dollars; just name it something sinister and the public falls for it, time and time again.
Funny how RepubliCONs are all for states’ rights, until the states do something they don’t like… like have a living minimum wage; like providing compasionate care for the homeless; like allowing sick people the medicine they need, and at an affordable cost; the list goes on and on. Now, a do-nothing Congress decides to pander to, and attempt to deceive, minimum wage workers, who see through the bs and stand up to say, “Wait a minute…” On the other hand, I guess we should be thankful that this Congress has met and is scheduled to meet for less than any other Congress in recent memory. Every time they go into session, they come out with another stupid idea that’s bad for the country. Garbage in, garbage out.
If you want to see what a nation looks like after 6 years of hard-right government, look around: war without end; the highest deficits in history; an economy that just can’t seem to recover; an energy industry being given billion-dollar tax breaks and in turn, taking the money and funding our terrorist enemies; the growing gap between the wealthiest and the poorest, which leads to even greater social ills; growing threats and strife on a planetary scale; a foreign policy in shambles; it just goes on and on.
If these are the kinds of bones the republiCONs want to throw, they can keep them.