There are many things in life that some people view as “fair,” but we don’t believe implementing this vision through force applied by government is the best solution. There are often hidden costs and lost freedoms associated with this approach. We note that under minimum wage laws those receiving the wage do earn more money. But businesses raise their prices to pay for it, and those businesses don’t hire more workers because they must pay out the new wage.

A proposal being floated this year in the Minnesota Legislature would establish a statewide paid family leave program, which would allow workers to take up to six weeks off for a birth, adoption or to take care of a sick relative. Employers would be forced to pay these workers two-thirds of their normal salaries during the interim. We see the possibility for abuse under this system, as well as new costs for businesses.

Beyond the practical problems there are important principles at stake. Why does government believe it should be allowed to take a hand in the relationship between businesses and workers, who engage in a voluntary exchange – namely work performed for wages given. Why is the factory, shop or office a place for government to conduct social experiments and enforce the current vision of those who happen to hold office?

Government has power – through its own programs, taxation or tax cuts, heaven forbid – to do what it can to alleviate perceived social or economic ills. But when it comes to interfering with business and dictating to it, government should do more to butt out.