Two state Republican leaders added their voices Monday in opposition to a proposed constitutional amendment that would gradually boost the minimum wage to $15 an hour in Florida.
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Joe Gruters, a state senator from Sarasota, and incoming House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, described the ballot initiative as “a Trojan horse,” “a trapdoor,” and “a wolf in sheep’s clothing” that will bring to Florida “failed policies” from liberal cities where streets are “covered in poverty, riots, crime.”
“Voting ‘no’ on Amendment 2 may save your favorite restaurant from closing, or your favorite waiter or waitress from losing their job,” Sprowls, who will become House speaker after the November elections, said during an online press event with a top lobbyist for the restaurant and hotel industry.
Gruters, a certified public accountant, contended the state’s current minimum wage is primarily for entry level positions and that the ballot measure would destroy hundreds of small businesses across Florida.
“This is not about siding with corporations, it’s about siding with Florida families,” Gruters said. “If you want to give individuals opportunities in the future to get those entry level positions, like one of the interns in my office who started at minimum wage, and I’m lucky to keep him at $20 an hour in just under a year and a half.”
But prominent Orlando attorney John Morgan, who has spearheaded the drive to pass the amendment, disputed that a minimum-wage increase would result in layoffs or reduced worker hours, as opponents argue.
“When they say this is going to force people to lay off people, think about this for a minute, what they’re saying is that right now, all these businesses have people working there that they don’t really need,” Morgan said. “They’re just bringing them there out of the goodness of their heart. They just have them bagging groceries out of the goodness of their heart. They just have them mowing grass out of the goodness of their heart. No, these people are not going to lose their hours, they’re not going to be fired, because somebody has got to mow the grass, somebody’s got to mop the floors. And we know who it’s not going to be. It’s not going to be any of these fat cats that don’t want to pay a living wage.”
The minimum-wage hike is one of six proposed constitutional amendments that will be on the Nov. 3 ballot.
If approved, the proposal, known as Amendment 2, would increase the state’s minimum wage — currently $8.56 an hour — to $10 on Sept. 30, 2021, and incrementally increase the rate each year until reaching $15 on Sept. 30, 2026.
Morgan chairs a political committee, Florida For A Fair Wage, that collected enough petition signatures to put the proposal on the ballot. The Morgan Firm P.A. and Morgan and Morgan P.A. have contributed heavily to the political committee, which has spent $4.69 million since the start of 2019. It has raised $4.77 million during the period.
Other backers of the amendment include the Service Employees International Union, the AFL-CIO, Organize Florida and the League of Women Voters of Florida. Supporters contend the incremental increases will stimulate the economy, while reducing dependence on safety net programs like Medicaid.
State Rep. Anna Eskamni, D-Orlando, said Monday the amendment is needed to counter an “anti-worker” agenda in the state “for far too long” by Republican leaders and business groups in Tallahassee.
“It would increase wages for 2.5 million Floridians, or 26 percent of the workforce, and help lift households out of poverty,” Eskamani said during an online call about the state’s troubled unemployment system. “As I mentioned earlier, there are families in Central Florida who live in hotels and motels, these are working families who’ve never made enough money to put a down payment for an apartment, that never made enough money to actually have the ability to save for a rainy day like this (coronavirus) pandemic has demonstrated.”
But business groups, including the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, are fighting the proposed amendment. Carol Dover, president and CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, said such proposals should be addressed by the Legislature rather than being pushed through citizens’ initiatives.
“Florida will be the first state in the nation that it (a $15 minimum wage) will pass statewide on the Constitution,” Dover said during the call with Gruters and Sprowls. “In the other states, they have either been done legislatively or by a local municipality. We only wish in Florida that it was going to the state Legislature because I have all the confidence in the world that it would barely make it out of committee. That’s how bad it is.”
Florida voters in 2004 passed a ballot measure that has led to smaller increases in the state’s minimum wage. That measure ties increases to inflation.
Florida TaxWatch, in a report this month, concluded that larger companies are better positioned to absorb the impacts of the proposed increase, with some such as Amazon and Costco already offering increased minimum wages to force smaller competitors to match higher starting pay. Meanwhile, TaxWatch surmised that low-wage, low-skilled workers may find it harder to land jobs, older Floridians on fixed-incomes will be hit by inflation and higher prices, and state and local governments will have to cover increased labor costs of their workers and private contractors.
Gruters and Sprowls are not the first GOP lawmakers to denounce the amendment. Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Sarasota, this month started the political committee Coalition for More Jobs & Better Pay as a way to warn against the ballot initiative.
“The dangers of enshrining a $15 minimum wage in our state’s Constitution cannot be overstated,” Gregory said in a prepared statement last week. “More than half a million jobs for young people, seniors, and others looking to gain new skills at any point in their lives will be in jeopardy. Business owners will face skyrocketing labor costs that will force many to close their doors for good, putting even more people out of work.”
Morgan said he wasn’t surprised by opposition coming from Gruters and Sprowls, as Republican leaders get their “marching orders” from the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
“The fact that they are opposed is the reason we had to do it this way, instead of hoping that legislators would do the right thing we’ve taken democracy straight to the people,” Morgan said.
–Jim Turner, News Service of Florida
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Mythoughts says
OF COURSE, THE GOP IS AGAINST ALLOWING THOSE TO EARN A DECENT WAGE TO GET AHEAD, BUT IT IS OK FOR THEM TO ALLOW THE PRESIDENT OF OUR COUNTRY TO CHEAT ON HIS INCOME TAXES AND DON’T SAY A WORD ABOUT THAT WHEN THE POOR AND MIDDLE CLASS ARE HONEST AND PAY THEIR TAXES YEARLY.
THE RICH ONLY CARE ABOUT GETTING RICHER AND DON’T FEEL OTHERS EXCEPT THEMSELVES TO GET AHEAD AND EARN A DECENT WAGE.
Dennis C Rathsam says
Raising the minimal wage is a bad idea. These jobs, designed for teenagers, gives them a start in the working world. Raising the minimum will make prices go up. Do U want to pay 5.oo for a McDonalds cheese burger? These jobs were not ment to raise a family on.
Steve says
Last I heard the FRB was trying to conjure up Inflation. Minimum wage is too low and should have already been increased. It will be done over time incrementally.This isnt rocket science here.More money in the hands of those who spend it.Its an old disproven argument. The Govt. could give Tax breaks over time to lessen the blow. Wake up its the 21st Century.Who are you to say what job an individual has to have to raise a Family.? In the place you are living it may be all one has as an oppurtunity. Min. Wage =1970s wages adjusted for inflation. NO brainer
Hmmm says
I agree. A minimum wage that is too high will decrease ambition. Minimum wage is not meant to support a family. If you want more, strive to improve yourself and move up so you can make a decent living. Theres too many lazy people nowadays as it is.
SASHAY AWAY says
Dennis Rathsam: Where have you been lately? “These jobs” are not only for teenagers anymore, I see more adults at these jobs now more than ever, they are working single moms trying to make ends meet, people who have to take on more than one job to support families, people who have lost a job due to whatever, people who have come here trying to better themselves by going to college or some trade school, meanwhile they have to live, just look at the cost of living, not everyone is born rich or can afford to go to college and some people are not meant to go to college to get a BS degree that they can’t use to get a good paying job.
Mike Cocchiola says
Some Republicans are just so greedy, uncaring, and ignorant. Raising the minimum will not destroy businesses unless they depend on modern slave labor to stay in business. $15 per hour for a typical 2,000 full-time job is around $30,000 per year, minus taxes and deductions, or just about at the poverty level for a family of four. Regrettably, most minimum wage jobs are less than full time, so do the math. 1,000 hours equals $15, ooo/year or just about $1,200 per month, again minus taxes and deductions. The average rental cost of an apartment in Palm coast is $1,200/month.
Conclusion… even $15/hour is an abysmal wage anywhere in this county. And you’ll still pay more taxes on it than Donald Trump.
SASHAY AWAY says
Mike Cocchiola: You are absolutely right, why don’t these money hungry fat cats ever talk about the rising cost of living everywhere across America. They want to nickel and dime honest hard-working people or maybe they would just want to see families homeless, or our youth committing suicide, and what about the thousands upon thousands of people who die every year from old age, diseases, etc, who stop collecting their caid, care, social security, pensions, where does this money go? They are not ignorant, they are money hungry white collar criminals!
CB from PC says
Maybe these wealthy Democrats like Steier, Bloomberg, Soros, etc. should steer the money into a fund for needy families hit by the pandemic.
Bloomberg ‘s $116M spent on Felon fines. to buy the Democrat vote, and promoting Biden in Florida would go a long way in assistance.
M says
The more people earn, the more they will spend, therefore, business owners will not suffer!! They will BENEFIT from higher salaries!!!
Sad Times says
One question….WHY? Why do Republicans want to keep people in poverty?
If people made a decent wage…they wouldn’t be homeless. If people made a decent wage, they’d be able to help the economy….by spending money! Just common sense.
I sincerely wish someone would be able to give an honest and reasonable answer. It’s a big mystery to me!
Outsider says
Why would you force a small business to pay a part-time high school student with no previous work experience 15 bucks an hour to put icing on cupcakes, for example? This amendment makes no distinction between the above-mentioned employee and a person trying to pay for a home or apartment. Here is the bottom line: get an education or skill set that will be financially rewarding when you are young, before you have a family and large financial obligations. If you choose to sit stoned in a corner, play video games in your parents’ basement, or just screw off most of your young adult life, then you will probably be relegated to minimum wage jobs for the rest of, or at least a good part of your life. That is your choice and I shouldn’t be forced to pay for it.
Steve says
How are you paying for it.? Explain that? Society is paying more for it now when a reasonable person looks at the other alternatives to a better wage homelessness, broke, poverty, mental health issues, Govt. assistance, depression, suicide want me to keep going. This is why we need term limits so 70 and 80 year olds stop making the decisions. No offense intended.
COBWEB says
Same reason there are teachers in the NYC BD of ED still working and coming in with their walkers, RETIRE ALREADY and give the younger teachers a chance!
Outsider says
None taken Steve. I will be happy to show you how I pay for it: tens of thousands of dollars every year in income and payroll taxes. That’s where this “mystery” money comes from. I will reiterate: a young high school student generally does not possess the skill set to justify fifteen dollars an hour, and many of the businesses who employ such workers don’t have the revenue to pay those wages. Rather than pay five dollars for a McDonald’s cheeseburger, I will buy a real one from the grocery store, where a butcher is not making minimum wage, and the McDonald’s will have less customers, making it even more difficult to survive.
Steve says
SO you pay your taxes SIR but continually back a man who IFF He didnt have the existing Tax Code would be Bankrupt. Iknow iknow BOTH sides created a 10000 page volume that even the IRS cant figure. Just a reminder again this is over 5 ,6 years and probably wont even pass BUT We need to adress it.I have a feeling the Golden Arches will be just fine. WMT, DIS, MCD the list goes on are Queens of morphing.PS Like I mentioned perhaps a payroll Tax break would benefit the Small Businesses to lessen immediate impacts. PSS I prefer to make my own as well. Good Day
C’mon man says
As a business owner I would love to pay my employees 15 dollars an hour. You can’t really afford a decent lifestyle on the current wage. Unfortunately, I would have to pass this cost increase to the consumer for services.
Tim says
I have had a few jobs in my life and I may have started out at the minimum wage but I have never stayed at minimum wage. If your going to pay someone $15 hour he better be a good employee and not just someone one there to pass the time and do ass little as he or she can to keep the job.
Knuckle Sandwich says
Why anyone chooses to vote for these “Republican leaders” is stunning to me. They don’t want their constituents to earn a fair living wage. They don’t want their constituents to retire comfortably. They don’t want their constituents to have afordable healthcare. They don’t want their constituents, kids and grandkids to breathe clean air, drink clean water nor play outside. They don’t want black or brown or poor people to vote. They don’t want gay people to have the same rights as they do. They don’t want women to have choices, nor earn as much as men for that matter. They don’t want small business owners (and employees) to sustain and survive during a global pandemic, despite the monetary reserve declaring there are UNLIMITED funds available!
They do want to force their aweful, misogynistic, narcissistic, unsympathetic, greedy uncaring Republican Jesus down eveyone’s throat however.
No. Cannot understand why anyone gleefully and/or willingly chooses any “Republican leader” on any ballot, any where, any time, any more. And right up until 2012 I was onboard (snookered?) with those so-called “Republican values”, and then I saw the light shine through as to exactly what they are and what they represent lately – small-minded racist, sexist, wealthy [wanna-be] white men.
Steve says
OH and lets not forget denying and or ignoring Science when its convenient for their cause. I have to say you said it beautifully
John A. Staub Jr. says
Just say no!
Old Guy says
The choice is simple. Pay a respectable living wage or expect more tax revenue being spent on social safety net programs.
Steve says
I agree . Just more fear and loathing from Republicans who want to kill on sight Legislation presented to better the minimum wage Economic sector because they didnt or wouldnt promote something similar. Long overdue IMO and some small Business Tax breaks could help soften the initial implementation. This is basic stuff here folks dont over think it. More money in the hands to the people who spend it.Better quality of life. Its a win win
E. Hoffa says
Forget increasing wages without increasing productivity! Instead make FL a union state! This way workers and employers will agree on wage and production agreements! To earn more you must be MORE productive!
Steve says
Heres the problem Florida doesnt produce much. Its a service state . How do you measure productivity when it comes to Tourism and Hospitality. Just sayin
Willy Boy says
Poor service from surly minimum wage workers at nearly every business, with the exception of Chic-fil A. How do they do that?
Steve says
KEYNESIAN Economis 101 Supply v Demand
Half a brain says
Attention people if you raise the pay to 15 dollars an hour. You are not going to get to keep all that money. Remember there is a little thing called taxes that we all have to pay and raising a person’s pay to 15 dollars an hour will put them in a higher tax bracket. So the paycheck they get will be as if they were getting paid at the minimum wage now. Pluse the price of food will increase. Bingo you will have the amount of money you have now.