×

Et Cetera …

A protection racket?

Why should the state of Minnesota be concerned about “protecting” anyone who does business here? Under state liquor laws, brewers cannot sell their product directly to the public once they produce so many barrels of beer. This protects distributors and retailers from competition. But why?

Brewers, or anyone else creating something, should be able to put their product directly on the market for people to buy. It would save consumers money. What’s the old expression? “Cut out the middle man.” Why not?

Doing best for the most

A parent expressed frustration this week at the Granada-Huntley-East Chain School Board meeting about the number of sporting events hosted by GHEC, which shares sports with Truman and Martin Luther. She also had concerns about where practices are held.

Board members sympathized, but they and other district officials note that facilities often drive decisions, with officials having to make choices that are in the best interests of everyone involved.

Schools cooperate in sports so they can maintain programs. There is a cost, but the bigger picture remains.

Schools seek funding

Speaking of schools, two districts in the area — Martin County West and Blue Earth Area — discussed plans this week for referendums this fall. Blue Earth is seeking additional operating dollars, while MCW plans to make major facilities upgrades.

At Martin County West, the plan includes tearing down the Welcome building, something that certainly has stirred interest and concerns. MCW has been diligent, though, in gathering input from residents and weighing its best options. It has been one district for many years now, with the days of separate towns long past. We hope residents see the wisdom of that vision as well.

Democrats play politics

Democrats who control the U.S. House of Representatives this week passed a minimum wage bill that is going nowhere. It would raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 per hour. Clearly, this is a political statement more than a serious policy initiative.

The Republican-led Senate and President Trump will not let the bill advance. Thankfully. Minimum wage hikes are inflationary and cause businesses to hire fewer workers.

Prevailing wages are much higher than $7.25 anyway, so why pretend that number means something? States such as Minnesota also have already established minimum wages that far exceed $7.25.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.65/week.

Subscribe Today