re: #186 Dangerman

even if this were true

and even if it’s true that he represents a state that is mostly ‘rural america’

he’s a United States Senator. voting on national policy.
just like most every other bill.

why should the FEDERAL minimum wage be keyed to WV?
as opposed to any other state?

alternatively, why should the federal govt ever send money to WV?
it doesnt benefit any other state.

it’s a stupid and childish way of looking at what the United States congress’s job is

A one sized fits all minimum wage doesn’t work, especially the vast differential in the cost of living between say West Virginia and say Hawaii or California.

A low minimum wage suitable for West Virginia would be pointless for urban California, but a high minimum wage based on say the SF Bay Area’s cost of living might be job killing or at least inflationary in other parts.

Having a geographically based minimum wage also tied to the local COLA is a reasonable approach. Federal jobs have pay adjustments based on the Cost of living. Of course, this might end up higher than what Senator Joe Machin (Damnit we need him - WV) wants, even in West Virginia.