AS public discussion on minimum wage increases continues and the community argues about how high and in what amounts, it is pretty clear, based on statements from the leadership of the incoming Congress and the White House, that the federal minimum wage will go up, and that these increases will also apply to the CNMI.
The question for the CNMI is not whether the federal minimum wage will go into effect out here, but what if any consideration will be given to current local conditions. One thing is clear — we ought not send the same old personalities to make the pitch that was made before. If we are going to make the case for a well-considered timeframe for the increases, credible persons, armed with credible data, and reputations for honoring commitments must make the pitch to Congress.
And before anyone thinks that I am making the case not to increase the minimum wage, let me make plain that I am in support of increasing the minimum wage. However, there must be adjustments for the severe economic downturn that is anticipated for next year. Even the Bush White House, while supporting a federal minimum wage increase, was careful to note that tax cuts and other tax credits might be in order to help small businesses shoulder the additional increases. I am proposing that the local government explore ways to help small businesses in this way.
Local businesses are employers, taxpayers, and the biggest service providers and consumers. As time passes and the dynamics change, local employment opportunities in the business community are increasing, as are wages and benefits. This, it seems, is the natural progression of things.
It would be completely foolish under our current circumstances to ignore local economic conditions in calculating the rate at which the minimum wage should go up.

JUAN S. TENORIO
San Vicente, Saipan