A bit off topic, but it’s interesting to me that Kim Reynolds refers to 14 and 15 year olds as “ young adults” in this context, but as innocent children when it comes to discussing books in school libraries.
Another example of Republicans giving corporations whatever they want and then whining when it violates the law. Even worse they already knew it was against the law.
Thanks for this write up. I can’t help but think this is related to the ongoing Republican attempts to do away with the administrative state, and I wouldn’t be all that surprised to see someone from this story file a lawsuit challenging the federal government’s power to regulate child labor through the Department of Labor.
I haven't confirmed whether all of the youth labor standards are in administrative rules, or whether some are also in federal statutes. I agree, given the current makeup of the U.S. Supreme Court, some business owner could challenge the Department of Labor's authority to enforce rules in this area (if Congress did not specifically approve the work hour limits for 14- and 15-year-olds).
Child approaches hot stove. Parent says don’t touch the stove. It’s hot and you’ll get burned. Child touches stove and cries, “Why didn’t you warn me?”
These owners are responsible for following the law and do so respectfully. Treating employees with disregard to line their pockets should be reported. They should be fined and shut down if they don't follow the law. Children don't need to be treated poorly. Kids trying to earn money are treated poorly. Children under21 should not serve alcohol.
As a business owner, I can't imagine setting out to violate federal standards and just assuming I won't get caught (or will get off with a warning if I am caught).
The cynic in me suspects the lawmakers knew damn well this was going to be the outcome and they are itching to take this case to the U.S. Supreme Court which they believe, due to its radical right wing makeup, will rule in their favor.
Sure, dozens or hundreds of small Iowa business owners will face fines and legal bills because they in good faith followed Iowa law (which was brazenly contradictory to federal law) but hey - you can't win a revolution without some martyrs, eh?
I think that's a plausible scenario. This Supreme Court could easily find that the federal agency exceeded its authority in fining restaurants for complying with their own state's law.
A bit off topic, but it’s interesting to me that Kim Reynolds refers to 14 and 15 year olds as “ young adults” in this context, but as innocent children when it comes to discussing books in school libraries.
I had the same thought! But I didn't want to go off on that tangent.
Thank you for this thorough summary of Iowa's misguided leadership in work-related protections for youth and businesses.
Whenever Reynolds calls something "common sense" it's time to duck and cover.
Another example of Republicans giving corporations whatever they want and then whining when it violates the law. Even worse they already knew it was against the law.
Brilliant headline..and great article too!
Thanks for this write up. I can’t help but think this is related to the ongoing Republican attempts to do away with the administrative state, and I wouldn’t be all that surprised to see someone from this story file a lawsuit challenging the federal government’s power to regulate child labor through the Department of Labor.
I haven't confirmed whether all of the youth labor standards are in administrative rules, or whether some are also in federal statutes. I agree, given the current makeup of the U.S. Supreme Court, some business owner could challenge the Department of Labor's authority to enforce rules in this area (if Congress did not specifically approve the work hour limits for 14- and 15-year-olds).
Child approaches hot stove. Parent says don’t touch the stove. It’s hot and you’ll get burned. Child touches stove and cries, “Why didn’t you warn me?”
That's about right.
Absolutely, 100% on this, Laura. I blame our legislators, and the Iowa Restaurant Assn., and our governor for signing this ill-advised legislation.
These owners are responsible for following the law and do so respectfully. Treating employees with disregard to line their pockets should be reported. They should be fined and shut down if they don't follow the law. Children don't need to be treated poorly. Kids trying to earn money are treated poorly. Children under21 should not serve alcohol.
As a business owner, I can't imagine setting out to violate federal standards and just assuming I won't get caught (or will get off with a warning if I am caught).
That's because you're an honorable person, similar in attitude to our forefathers that wrote our Constitution.
Yep.
Sorry, news conference is Monday in north liberty. Still nonsense.
I can't be there in person but I will listen to it afterwards.
The cynic in me suspects the lawmakers knew damn well this was going to be the outcome and they are itching to take this case to the U.S. Supreme Court which they believe, due to its radical right wing makeup, will rule in their favor.
Sure, dozens or hundreds of small Iowa business owners will face fines and legal bills because they in good faith followed Iowa law (which was brazenly contradictory to federal law) but hey - you can't win a revolution without some martyrs, eh?
I think that's a plausible scenario. This Supreme Court could easily find that the federal agency exceeded its authority in fining restaurants for complying with their own state's law.
And now, the Governor is continuing her nonsense at a press conference in iowa city on Saturday.