Bill 111

Bill 111 was introduced by Sen. Matt Rector(who tries to friend everyone on facebook). If passed, this bill would incrementally raise the minimum wage on Guam from a mere $6.55 to $12.00 by April of 2010. While I am an avid supporter of increasing the minimum wage, I believe that to raise it like this would hinder the development of our island's economy. It would hurt the island's businesses that are just barely able to survive. The mom & pop stores that we are quite fond of will probably be the first to go. Followed by the small, locally owned business firms. Leaving the large corporations that have been introduced to our island.

Needless to say, it would place individuals earning minimum wage right bellow those who have the educational background and experience to be making a fairly decent wage. Where does that leave the middle class? Do they get a pay raise also? This is highly unlikely.

So, while more money for the lower income bracket may seem like a pretty picture, it may hurt our island more than help it. Prices will no doubt rise along with the minimum wage, in order to help defer the costs of paying employees. Which would, ultimately, leave us back at square one and wondering why we were in this predicament to begin with.

Yes, raise the minimum wage. But, keep in mind what will happen in the long run. Maybe the solution is hidden here somewhere. We need to hunt a little better. Contemplate our options. Raising minimum wage to $12.00 without the backing of federal funds is highly detrimental to our economy. The money has to come from somewhere and it's definitely not available through our local government.

So, Mr. Rector... unless you've got a few billion dollars hidden somewhere in your deep pockets, please rethink your bill. Our people should not be made to suffer because of decisions that were poorly thought out. Take the island in to account, as a whole.

People of Guam, please don't let the dollar signs attract you any more than they already do. Like I've said before, the amount looks appealing. But, in the long run, is it really worth it? Would seeing businesses, like Chotde', go out of business after being around for over a couple of decades, really be worth it? Would going through the hardships of rising costs really be deferred by the ~$6 raise? Really think about this before acting.