Policy echoes across the decades
Rep. John Martin, D-Eagle Lake, said he heard the complaints from those who were fed up with a system that they believe is open to abuse. He said that he was offended by businesses that did not offer health insurance to employees but instead told them to pursue MaineCare. But he added that he felt the real goal was to make sure that all of the state’s residents had health care coverage, which drew rousing applause from the crowd. ~ December 2011, Presque Isle, Maine
“What these workers lose in wages the taxpayers are called on to pay. . . The community is not bound to provide what is effect a subsidy for unconscionable employers.” ~ March 1937, U.S. Supreme Court
Note: While Martin’s comment was made in a discussion of proposed cuts in health care coverage, the Supreme Court, in “West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish,” affirmed the constitutionality of minimum wage laws.