Burgess Owens: “common sense and logic dictate that we should build into our economic policy a simple way to share in the great…”

“common sense and logic dictate that we should build into our economic policy a simple way to share in the great prosperity that this Nation is presently experiencing. A minimum wage increase is the way to share our great wealth with the people on the bottom. At this time of great prosperity, the gap is growing ever wider between rich and poor. In New York where the rich are richest, the gap between rich and poor is greatest. The infant mortality rate in New York is greater than anywhere else in the country. The Democratic substitute proposes a simple $1 increase over a 2-year period, a simple $2,000 increase in the annual pay. The best way to share the wealth and help the poor is to increase the amount of money in their paychecks. If my colleagues care about family values, common sense dictates that they support this small increase in income. If the new compassionate conservativism is not just phony public relations, then grant this measly $1 increase over a 2-year period. We need improvements in all of the social safety net programs: child care, health care, more public housing, decent schools, and educational opportunity. I support more funds and more programs to deal with these very serious problems. But the best way, the most efficient way, and the most effective way to help the poor is to put more money in their paychecks.”