Today, Big Labor-backed groups will rally to raise Pennsylvania’s mandated minimum wage to $10.10 per hour. This comes on the heels of Philadelphia’s Mayor Nutter announcing his plan to raise the city’s minimum wage via executive order. Unfortunately, raising the minimum wage has the unintended effect of putting young workers, especially minorities, out of work.

Anyone who has observed politics for long would see that too many politicians believe nothing positive would happen unless they pass a law requiring it. They think that the American people are dependent on them for their wealth, safety, and happiness.

Support for minimum wage increases is based on the idea that a higher minimum wage will “help the poor” by increasing their pay and lifting them out of poverty. However, this perception is far from the reality. Minimum wage increases do not target the poor, they do not improve the lives and income of low-skill workers to the extent proponents claim, and they have many negative consequences—including lost jobs, reduction in workers’ hours and benefits, and higher prices fo

In 2006, Governor Ed Rendell argued that hiking Pennsylvania’s minimum wage by 39% would not lead to lost jobs and opportunities for low-wage workers. Unfortunately, Mr. Rendell has already been proven wrong, and small employers and entry-level employees are paying the price.

In an election year, legislators do irrational things, such as spend more money than the budget supports, fund pork projects for their districts, and raise the minimum wage.

January 23, 2006 Governor Edward G. Rendell225 Main Capitol BuildingHarrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120 Dear Governor Rendell, I understand that politicians sometimes change their policy positions. And I probably don’t have to remind you of your position on the minimum wage in the 2002 gubernatorial campaign when you said: