By artificially mandating wages for grocery store employees, city officials are not doing workers any favors. The pandemic has already added extra operational costs to businesses that must be paid to keep customers safe. New minimum wage requirements increase labor prices substantially for grocery chains, and companies have been forced to make big adjustments due to their […]
Blog
Protect the Rights of Independent Contractors
Of all the economic changes the United States has experienced over the past decade, none have been so profound as full-time employees shunning traditional 9 to 5 employment in favor of the flexibility offered by independent contract work. In 2020 alone, 3 in 10 full-time workers left traditional employment in favor of freelancing. In total, […]
CBO Highlights the Dangers of a $15 Minimum Wage, Again
The debate around raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour seems like Groundhog Day. Each legislative session, labor advocates and progressive politicians advance legislation to raise the federal minimum wage from its current $7.25 to $15 an hour. Representative Robert Scott (D-VA03) has introduced the Raise the Wage Act twice, first in 2019 […]
Federal Times: The Delusion of Postal Profits
The Postal Service quarterly financial report this week revealed, for the first time in several years, a modest net gain. The surprising results have left many scratching their heads and some have even described the outcome as a “moment of celebration.” However, a closer look at the Postal Service’s fiscal record over the past several […]
Internet Freedom Is What America Needs, Not Net Neutrality
In 2018, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under former President Donald Trump repealed the Open Internet Order (OIO) instituted by the FCC under the Obama Administration. The OIO reclassified fixed and mobile broadband under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934 which permitted the government to heavily regulate internet service providers (ISP) as “common […]
Inside Sources: Klobuchar’s Antitrust Bill Reveals Lack of Understanding of Today’s Big Tech Economy
CALERA shows a misunderstanding of the current state of the big tech industry; and second, the bill fails to consider the numerous consumer benefits large tech companies have brought to U.S. consumers. Failing to place consumers at the heart of antitrust reform means any proposals can have significant long-term repercussions for the group antitrust law […]
Cities Have the Wrong Number on Cell Taxes
Cell phone taxes are putting a significant strain on the budgets of many Americans. A report published late last year by Scott Mackey at Leonine Public Affairs, LLP found that the average taxes consumers pay on wireless service increased again in 2020. While wireless costs everywhere are rising, cell taxes affect people differently in cities […]
Leave the Minimum Wage to the States
Proponents of labor reform have become increasingly vocal about their aim to increase the federal minimum wage to $15. As recently as January 2020, Senator Bernard Sanders (I-VT) introduced legislation to the Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate to raise the minimum wage to $15. Sanders’ legislation follows previous attempts by the Democratic party to raise the federal […]
5G Can Put the U.S. Economy into Hyperdrive if States Allow It
The Biden Administration has promised to get broadband out the all Americans. However, wiring the U.S. may not the best means to accomplish this, considering that there are already more wireless subscriptions in the U.S. than people. As wireless services continue to become much faster, a more effective and less costly means is possible – via the next generation […]
Minnesota Governor Proposes Harsh Vaping Taxes
As part of the budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has suggested tacking on new taxes to the sale of e-cigarettes and other vapor products. These taxes are part of the governor’s current effort to discourage the use of these devices, and the revenues are planned to be used to […]