Hiking the minimum wage in the center of the high-tech universe will inevitably accelerate the drive to convert low-skill service jobs to robots. After all, machines don't call in sick, get stuck in California's notorious traffic, get injured and go on workers' comp, sue their employers or strike.
But, as with most government actions, there will be unintended consequences — the government drive for 'balance' will, as Friedrich Hayek warned, lead to more imbalance, which will invariably lead to cries for greater government intervention.
Texas faces multiple economic challenges. These headwinds have slowed what would be the world’s 12th largest economy and could slow it more, potentially contributing to the state’s first major recession in 30 years. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar also recently reported that state tax collections are on pace for a tight state budget during the 2017 Legislative Session.
It’s common to hear support for changing the level of education funding, but any conversation on this topic should start with a definition of how much we’re currently spending.
By increasing debt transparency and prioritizing which should be paid first, Texans can have a better sense of whether state and local lawmakers are being good stewards of their tax dollars.
Regardless of the court’s decision, one thing is clear: cities are subject to the rule of law, and must be held accountable.
Third, and perhaps most ironically, barring criminal background checks tends to exacerbate disparities in hiring practices, not correct them.
Since new teachers’ pay is tied to double the minimum wage, a 50 percent increase in the minimum wage will trigger demands for proportional wage increases on up the pay scale. California teachers earn an average of $71,396, not including generous retirement benefits.
Thirty-six percent of students nationwide show little or no increase in their fundamental academic skills after four years invested in college.
Since one in three adults has a criminal record, nearly every American has a family member, loved one or neighbor who has, or who will, come in contact with the criminal justice system.
Texans are routinely given no say on the kind of government that presides over them, the level of taxes they pay and the debts they owe, or who represents their interests at city hall.
Increased costs for electricity will have a ripple effect on manufacturing jobs as well as the standard of living of working Americans who will pay more for their electricity.