Assemblyman Al Graf (R,C,I-Holbrook) recently voted against legislation that would have a detrimental impact on job opportunities for young adults and the working poor, as well as businesses. The Assembly passed a bill raising the minimum wage to $9.00 per hour with automatic annual increases tied to the rate of inflation. Graf noted that the mandated cost increase would hurt job seekers and consumers alike.
“This proposed legislation does nothing to improve our economy, nor does it help the people who are making the current minimum wage with the financial problems they currently face,” said Graf. “On the contrary, this poorly-drafted legislation hurts the people that the authors purport to be helping. It will result in fewer jobs, eliminate summer and school employment opportunities for young people, and further strain the budgets of local businesses that are finding it harder and harder to survive.
“Further, this bill will serve to increase the cost of products and services to the consumer,” said Graf. “This is the wrong time for this legislation in light of our present economy. As government officials, we must be careful to examine all of the pitfalls associated with the submission of new legislation, especially when we consider the fragile state of our present economy.”
Graf noted that, as a one-house bill, the measure had little chance of actually taking effect.
“Unless the senate and the governor get on board with this specific bill, all it amounts to is a nice, little press release for its supporters,” he said.
To watch Assemblyman Graf debate and discuss this legislation, click here or visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9dWByi0jLE.