Not what we voted for

Minimum wage has been debated regularly since its inception. More recently, the push across the country for a $15 minimum wage has brought renewed interest in minimum wage increases. In Arkansas, the debate has been brought back to the forefront with renewed passion. Issue 5 passed with 68 percent of the vote during the 2018 election. Issue 5 incrementally raises the minimum wage to $11 by 2021.

Recently, Arkansas Sen. Bob Ballinger proposed legislation that would exempt anyone under the age of 18, those who are employed at a school, preschool, college, nonprofit, or a business with fewer than 50 total employees.

When giving a statement on the bill, Ballinger stated, “I really don’t think the people intended to put their mom-and-pop businesses out of business. They didn’t want to shut down ministries and nonprofits, they didn’t want to make it where if a business wants to take a chance on a 16-yearold kid, they have to pay him $11 an hour. That wasn’t the intent.”

Most people are sympathetic to the burden being placed on small businesses. When voters approved the issue, they were aware that the new minimum wage would affect all businesses in Arkansas.

I would put forward two questions. On what basis has Ballinger determined the intent of the majority of Arkansas voters? Furthermore, if Ballinger only wants to protect those small businesses, why are schools and colleges included in the exemption?

The proposed legislation is in direct conflict with what 68 percent of Arkansas voted for.

MICHAEL RABEY

Fayetteville