California’s Democratic-controlled Legislature is pushing a series of measures that are designed to improve the conditions for the state’s private-sector workers, but which will only burden job creators with new regulations and costs. The best way to improve conditions for lower-wage workers is to create a climate of economic growth, something that’s apparently lost on the majority party.
“The virus takes, on average, 5-10 days to ‘clear’ those infected, which means that most workers with active COVID-19 would easily transmit the disease to co-workers and members of the public after just three days,” according to the argument in the Assembly analysis. This is a continuing one-way ratchet. The bill’s author, Sen. Lena Gonzalez of Long Beach, points to temporary pandemic-related sick-leave expansions as a model for a permanent law.
CalMatters pointed to another nefarious proposal that’s still alive in the Capitol. Assembly Bill 518 “would expand who can take as long as eight weeks a year in paid family leave to include ‘chosen family’ — loved ones whom people consider family but without a legal or biological relationship.” As the article adds, the bill would also let people “take paid time off to care for an elderly neighbor, cousin or friend.” This expansive definition provides a nearly limitless claim on paid time off.
Senate Bill 525 would raise the minimum wage to $25 an hour for healthcare workers by 2025 — something that will increase healthcare inflation and obliterate many jobs. Minimum wages do not improve the overall conditions of workers, but rather discourage hiring and reduce opportunities for workers with fewer skills.