From Deseret News archives:
Senate moves to close Rocky's wage loophole
SB139, which would stop Mayor Rocky Anderson from rewarding vendors that pay as much as $10.56 an hour to their employees, was given preliminary approval by a vote of 15-10, with four senators absent.
The bill must be approved again by the Senate before it goes to the House.
The sponsor of the bill, Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, had put it on hold last week after questions were raised about whether local government officials would be prevented from questioning companies seeking to relocate about the wages they paid.
On Tuesday Stephenson said he'd been assured by the Legislature's legal counsel that wasn't the case.
"This does not affect that," he said. "This affects those that are contracting to provide goods or services to the city."
Senate Minority Whip Ron Allen, D-Stansbury Park, said he still worried the bill would have "broad, unintended consequences" and voted against it.
He was joined in his opposition by Republican Sen. Chris Buttars of West Jordan, who said, "I think this is wrong."
The head of Utah's AFL-CIO, Sen. Ed Mayne, D-West Valley, also voted no.
The bill sends a message to workers and bosses in Utah that "we like low wages here," he said.
The minimum wage is $5.15 an hour.
But Stephenson said the effort to pay living wages hurts unskilled workers.
"If we want to look at this from a moral perspective," he said, "we need to make sure the free market dictates those wage rates and not a benevolent government."
Comments
- Congress wants to quiet TV ads 1:13 p.m.
- Group calls for deficit curbs 1:12 p.m.
- Study: Utah nonprofits on the edge 1:11 p.m.
- Gore: Polar ice may go in 5 years 1:10 p.m.
- Crash closes westbound I-84 12:54 p.m.
- Death penalty sought in '99 slaying 12:51 p.m.
- Source: Josh Powell hires attorney 12:51 p.m.
- Jazz will have full lineup tonight 12:40 p.m.
- Clinton blasts Iran over hikers 12:31 p.m.
- Food bank donations filling shelves 12:28 p.m.
- Wet spot found in Powell's home
- TV mom gives birth to 19th child
- D-Will treats military families to party
- Y. opponent nearly smelled roses
- Pace happy not to be noticed
- Maynor amazed by L.A. fans
- MWC looks better in basketball
- High school football: All-region teams
- Death of the Family Practice
- Y. hangs on, beats old coach
- Palin signs books, chats with fans
178 - Nude bathers cited for lewdness
149 - Gay-friendly curriculum phased out
121 - LDS to emphasize helping needy
120 - Jazz fall apart late at L.A.
110 - Panel passes BCS playoff bill
107 - Unga might enter NFL draft
104 - BYU to wear royal blue uniforms
95 - TV mom gives birth to 19th child
95 - Disappearance called 'suspicious'
93
Can you tell I just got out of a budget meeting with Gov Gary Herbert?
Sen. Scott Jenkins was name-checked by Jay Leno Monday night during his...
I suspect it's both!
'If you have voluntarily enlisted in the Armed Forces, that means you get...
REF: Onionz What ever happened to innocent until proven guity? "Mom tired...
"don't see why these emails are considered to be such a big deal."...
Huntsman has 100 times the qualifications for being president of a Global...
Good job to Quinton Ganther! You have worked your butt off to get where you...
No good outcome ahead I am afraid.
Earth is safe | 11:33 a.m. The earth will NEVER be safe until we succeed...
Time for a confession?
Is adultery right or wrong? Its not as one sided as some would make it out...



You can be the first to comment on this story.