July 26, 2025

Henryetta Free Lance
Login Subscribe Advertisers
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
The truth behind the minimum wage
Commentary
August 30, 2019
The truth behind the minimum wage

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, establishing a minimum wage was one of the main ideas that activist groups had to end sweatshops, where workers were being forced to

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, establishing a minimum wage was one of the main ideas that activist groups had to end sweatshops, where workers were being forced to work in terrible conditions for low wages.

The federal minimum wage in the United States has been in place since 1938, when Congress passed and President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Fair Labor Standards Act. It was originally set at $0.25 per hour and has been raised 22 times, most recently in July 2009 to $7.25 per hour.

Earlier this year, Pelosi Democrats passed H.R. 582, which would raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025. We have seen record low unemployment rates and historic economic growth under President Trump, but this one-size-fits-all legislation would take all of that away. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that if their bill was signed into law, it would kill 3.7 million jobs. That would be the equivalent of every person in the entire state of Oklahoma being told “you’re fired.”

The effects of raising the minimum wage are not only hypothetical. Some states and cities have already seen the detrimental effects of raising the minimum wage. A study of Seattle’s Minimum Wage Ordinance concluded that the wage increase to $13 an hour ultimately reduced hours for people who worked in low-wage jobs, resulting in a lower monthly income. The higher wage ended up hurting lower income employees more than it helped.

Employees are the ones who set the price and drive the job market. The unemployment rate in the United States is currently 3.7 percent and wages have been rising on their own. Employers are competing to get the best employees and are paying higher wages to recruit the top talent.

We all want Americans to have good-paying jobs, but raising the minimum wage is not the answer. With 6.9 million open jobs in our country, we should provide people with the education and resources they need to succeed. The market should determine what people are paid for their work, not the federal government.

Want to stay up-to-date on what I’m doing in Oklahoma and Washington on your behalf? Sign up for my newsletter by visiting Mullin.house.gov/newslettersignup .

New HPS Board Member Welcomed
A: Main, Lifestyle...
New HPS Board Member Welcomed
July 26, 2025
Willem Vandenborn is welcomed by Henryetta Public Schools Superintendent Jason Price after he was sworn in to fill the Ward 2 seat on the HPS board. The action came during a special meeting Thursday, ...
this is a test
Patrons Bank warns community of rising phone scams
A: Main, Lifestyle...
Patrons Bank warns community of rising phone scams
July 25, 2025
Patrons Bank is urging the community to be on high alert as phone scams targeting bank customers continue to rise across the country - and right here at home.Scammers are spoofing legitimate bank phon...
this is a test
Christmas in July is today
A: Main, Main...
Christmas in July is today
July 25, 2025
Downtown Henryetta is set to come alive with holiday spirit and summer sunshine today, as the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce presents its annual “Christmas in July” celebration. The event, scheduled fr...
this is a test
A: Main
Back-to-School excitement builds
July 25, 2025
As summer winds down and the school year quickly approaches, Henryetta Public Schools and Dewar Public Schools are rolling out the red carpet for students and families with a series of exciting back-t...
this is a test
Main Street Crossing Temporarily Closed
A: Main
Main Street Crossing Temporarily Closed
July 25, 2025
The City of Henryetta has announced that the Main Street railroad crossing is currently closed to all traffic. Residents needing to cross the tracks are encouraged to use the Trudgeon Street crossing ...
this is a test
Sales Tax Holiday returns Aug. 1-3
A: Main
Sales Tax Holiday returns Aug. 1-3
July 25, 2025
Shoppers across Okmulgee County and throughout the state will soon get a much-needed break on back-to-school expenses, as Oklahoma’s annual Sales Tax Holiday kicks off Friday, Aug. 1, and runs through...
this is a test

e-Edition
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
A: Main
Historical Museum open Saturday
July 25, 2025
The Henryetta Historical Museum continues to welcome guests through its doors this summer with its special every-other-weekend schedule - and this Saturday is no exception. The museum will be open Jul...
this is a test
News
OCEM Report
July 25, 2025
This report is a summary of activities Okmulgee County Emergency Management participated in and does not reflect all activities performed by or participated in by Okmulgee County Emergency Management....
this is a test
Plans underway for Okmulgee County Fair
News
Plans underway for Okmulgee County Fair
July 25, 2025
Planning is in full swing for the much-anticipated 2025 Okmulgee County Fair, with the event officially set to take place Sept. 4-6 at the Okmulgee County Fairgrounds.Members of the Fair Volunteer Com...
this is a test
Lions Club celebrates new members, history and upcoming events
News
Lions Club celebrates new members, history and upcoming events
July 25, 2025
The Henryetta Lions Club held a lively and productive meeting on Thursday, July 17, at The Shack 2.0, welcoming new members, celebrating local heritage and preparing for several key community events o...
this is a test
News
Preston Schools announces Child Nutrition Program
July 25, 2025
Preston Public Schools announced they are participating in free lunch and/or breakfast program for the 2026 school year. All students enrolled in the district or the listed sites may participate in th...
this is a test
Facebook

HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE
208 E. Main Street
Henryetta, OK 74437

918.652.3311

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2022 Henryetta Free-Lance

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy