MINIMUM WAGE

BY REX

LAST WEEK WHEN CONGRESS PASSED THE EMERGENCY WAR FUNDING BILL FOR THE WAR IN IRAQ, A MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE WAS INCLUDED TO MAKE THE DEMOCRATS HAPPY. THIS IS THE FIRST INCREASE IN OVER A DECADE.

SO WHAT?

THE CASINOS IN NEVADA, AND MANY OTHER AREAS, PAY DEALERS MINIMUM WAGE PLUS TIPS. LAST NOVEMBER, BY CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT NO LESS, NEVADA RAISED THE STATE MINIMUM WAGE TO $1 MORE THAN THE FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE. NEVADA ALSO PROHIBITS USING TIP CREDIT TO MEET THE MINIMUM WAGE REQUIREMENT.

TO BOIL IT DOWN, IN JUST OVER TWO YEARS OUR BASE PAY WILL HAVE GONE FROM $5.15 AN HOUR TO $8.25 AN HOUR. NOT BAD AS THE PRICES OF EVERYTHING ELSE IN THIS WORLD EDGES UP, IN SOME CASES DAILY.