Tribune correspondent Tim Jones reviewed the latest poverty study from The Brookings Institution (“Poverty Rates Rebound: Fortunes Reverse For Poor,” August 12), which offers suggested public policy solutions to reverse high-density poverty trends in the 100 cities studied.
Among other recommendations, the Brookings report suggests that the minimum wage be increased. But minimum wage increases destroy new jobs, since employers have less payroll for new hires. Policies that advocate any proposed increases in employer/employee payroll and state income taxes are also job-killers.
Poor Americans will benefit most if government lowers the tax burden and backs away from heavy-handed intrusion and unfunded mandates foisted upon the recovering economy.
Ralph W. Conner ([email protected]) is local legislation manager at The Heartland Institute.
