Minimum Wage Debate -- Part III

Last month, Gov. Ehrlich vetoed a bill that would have increased the minimum wage in Maryland from the current $5.15 an hour to $6.15 an hour. The General Assembly may consider overriding the veto when they reconvene in January. We’ve covered much of the material on the minimum wage in posts here and here (our inaugural blog post).

Now, our friends at the Job Opportunities Task Force are giving us a little live action and commentary on the minimum wage. They are hosting a debate featuring Tim Kane from the Heritage Foundation and Jared Bernstein from the Economic Policy Institute. The debate will be moderated by WYPR host Anthony McCarthy on June 22, 2005 from 8:30 am to 10:30 am at the University of Baltimore.

Jared Bernstein is one of my two favorite economists–he’s smart and articulate, and communicates in a jargon-free way that everyone can understand. We are lucky to have him coming to Baltimore for this event. (I can't say similarly kind things about Mr. Kane because I don’t know him. But, he's at the Heritage Foundation, so it's safe to bet that he's no slouch).

Here at the Maryland Budget and Tax Policy Institute, we contribute to the public debate on community issues by looking at data, conducting analysis and discussing the impact of various choices. We have done that on this issue. Not to undermine our own importance, but in my view data, analysis, and the opinions of economists should not be at the center of this debate.

How about some people debating concepts of justice, fairness, and the returns to work?

Or, how about a debate where one of the high-paid corporate executives who testified before the General Assembly against increasing the minimum wage faces off against one of the proponents who talked about working as much as 130 to 140 hours at week at three full-time jobs to make ends meet?

We encourage you to attend this event. Listen to Mr. Kane and Mr. Bernstein, then share your perspectives.

Since 1981--almost a quarter century--the minimum wage has gone up less than $2 an hour. Does that reflect your values and priorities?