Another win for Republicans

Once again the Republicans have defeated an attempt to raise the federal minimum wage. The current minimum of $5.15 per hour has been in effect since 1997. It is the lowest, relative to average wages, in about 50 years.

The thing that bothers me most about the debate are the crocodile tears shed by Republicans over the notion that raising the minimum wage will hurt those at the bottom by discouraging employers from hiring.

Looking back at the last minimum wage increase in 1997, employment continued to grow for 1 1/2 years after the increase. Recall that the economy was growing then as it is today. That leads me to conclude that, if the economy is growing an increase in the minimum wage won'd5t hurt the least skilled workers.

One other minimum wage concern is the patent unfairness of Idaho restaurant servers being paid less than minimum wage on the assumption that tips will enable them earn at least the minimum. There are not many states in this country that use that approach. Making matters worse, Idaho is one of the states that choose not to set its minimum wage above the federal level. Both Oregon and Washington have minimum wages that are more than 35 percent higher than ours.

This issue clearly shows how Republicans shape public policy 'd1 help business and make the poorest among us pay for it.

BOB WYNHAUSEN

Sandpoint