New York Sate is already infamous for creating a business climate that drives jobs and people out of State, resulting in draconian economic conditions.  Senator Krueger has identified the problem of inequality in the workplace for women and proposes further government solutions, solutions which are completely contrary to a vibrant market economy.

Passing the Equal Pay for Equal Work Bill (S.3358).  This bill, sponsored by Senator Krueger, would amend the State Constitution to require that people of comparable skill receive equal pay for equal work of comparable value, without consideration of sex, race, or national origin.

Empirical evidence has shown that when the government regulates wages, the result is higher unemployment rates.  There is no way a bureaucrat can sit in an office and determine the worth a person “deserves” when it comes to employment compensation.

Creating a system of universal health care for all New Yorkers, independent of employers, so that everyone could be assured access to health care, and would not lose coverage if they temporarily lost their job.

Health care costs have risen, and access to health care has fallen, in direct proportion to increased government involvement.  Liz’s solution is to screw things up even more.

Passing the Paid Family Leave Bill (S.8428), which would allow workers to take paid time off from work to care for sick family member.  Employees are currently left with the choice of taking unpaid time off or going to work and leaving their family member alone without care.

Thankfully, this bill languished in the legislative session that just ended.  The best outcome would be to kill it altogether.  If it is eventually passed, the toll it will take on small businesses across the state  will be terrible.  Businesses with few employees can not afford the extra costs that will be imposed and many will close.  Virtually any job that could be considered a career occupation already addresses this issue for employees through the current Family Leave Act or job benefits.

Adopting living wage legislation so that women or men who work full-time are not living in poverty and can afford basic needs like housing, food, and health care.  Low wage jobs are particularly common to industries that employ mostly women, such as the field of child care workers in which the average yearly earnings for women is only $18,300.

Again, this would be harmful regulation of business costs that would hurt the economic viability of businesses in NYS.  Many “non-living wage jobs” are held by students, teenagers and retirees.  Many are considered entry-level positions or held by people looking for some extra pocket money.  I question her figures of $18,300 for the earnings of child care workers.  She is probably including part time employees and babysitters.

HT Amherst Times for highlighting this Asshat of the Month.