Chicago Decides to Keep Jobs: Minimum Wage Increase Defeated
Democrats split over battle on minimum wage increase. I may disagree with Daley on many things and dislike him for other reasons, but Chicago can be thankful that he fought on this issue.
A divided City Council today sustained Mayor Daley’s first-ever veto by a 31 to 18 vote: Wal-Mart and 42 other big box retailers in Chicago will not have to pay their employees at least $13 an hour in wages and benefits by 2010.
One day after framing the debate in racial terms, Daley got his way with three votes to spare.
Thirty-four votes were needed to override the mayor’s veto. The attempt fell three votes short. As expected, three aldermen who supported the minimum wage ordinance on July 26 crossed over to support the mayor: Aldermen George Cardenas (12th), Shirley Coleman (16th) and Danny Solis (25th). As expected, they were joined by Ald. Helen Shiller (46th), the only alderman who did not cast a vote on July 26.
The vote came after two hours and 15 minutes of debate following a recess to accommodate chief big-box supporter Ald. Joe Moore (49th), who attended the funeral of six children who died in a Rogers Park fire.
Coleman agreed to change sides after Wal-Mart promised to build an Englewood store at 63rd and Halsted, down the street from the soon-to-be built Kennedy-King College.
Solis has been angling for Daley to appoint him to the job of city clerk vacant since the resignation of convicted City Clerk Jim Laski. But, he said today, “Even if he [Daley] offered it now, I wouldn’t take it. It’s too late. The opportunity was three or four months back when an incumbent could have made something out of it.” . . .
Here is a discussion on the possible implications for Daley:
The Chicago mayor flexed his muscle with his veto of the controversial measure, but his fight with the city council showed that he may actually be vulnerable in next year's election . . .
One day after framing the debate in racial terms, Daley got his way with three votes to spare.
Thirty-four votes were needed to override the mayor’s veto. The attempt fell three votes short. As expected, three aldermen who supported the minimum wage ordinance on July 26 crossed over to support the mayor: Aldermen George Cardenas (12th), Shirley Coleman (16th) and Danny Solis (25th). As expected, they were joined by Ald. Helen Shiller (46th), the only alderman who did not cast a vote on July 26.
The vote came after two hours and 15 minutes of debate following a recess to accommodate chief big-box supporter Ald. Joe Moore (49th), who attended the funeral of six children who died in a Rogers Park fire.
Coleman agreed to change sides after Wal-Mart promised to build an Englewood store at 63rd and Halsted, down the street from the soon-to-be built Kennedy-King College.
Solis has been angling for Daley to appoint him to the job of city clerk vacant since the resignation of convicted City Clerk Jim Laski. But, he said today, “Even if he [Daley] offered it now, I wouldn’t take it. It’s too late. The opportunity was three or four months back when an incumbent could have made something out of it.” . . .
Here is a discussion on the possible implications for Daley:
Labels: Economics, MinimumWage
posted by John Lott at 10:11 PM
1 Comments:
Americans have learned to use government to satisfy their every whim.
This ordnance was so wrong and dictatorial Daley had to veto it. One retailer already threatened to operate outside the city. Retailers either would have left the city or the ability to buy cheap would have been negated by high operating costs.
Labor unions and ignorant politicians were behind this socialist rule. It was an attempt by government to dictate to businessess. It was as dictatorial as it could get. It was an attempt by citizens and politicians to seize control without actually nationalizing big box retailers. Chicago is a socialist/police state and, given the trend for Americans to believe in socialism, I'm surprised big box retailers didn't just acquiesce. Even though the ordnance failed it proves the socialist trend and erosion of freedom in America.
It is now rare for the newsmedia to warn about the dangers of government wage controls. The newsmedia never discusses the trend that masks government control, socialism and the principles of free markets. We are trading efficiency and low costs for the ability to usurp and control, via government, business.
Daley was warned this ordnance would reduce government income and prevent some people from getting an entry level job. This matter is not settled: state politicians are planning to legislate more wage controls.
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