Connect with us

Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: The negative impact of a large minimum wage increase

Published

on

My name is Owen Sullivan and I am the owner and pharmacist of Sullivan Drugs, a small, hometown pharmacy that currently employs 16 people. Even though there are much larger and smaller employers than myself, the effects and market economics of a large minimum wage increase are universal.

Is $8.25 an hour enough to raise a family? No! But let’s face it, $10.50 per hour is not going to raise a family these days either. Out of the 16 positions at Sullivan Drugs, there are two well-paid Pharmacist positions (that require six years of College) and there are 14 normal positions that could be occupied by anyone. 4-5 of those positions pay very well for a small town, with a small cost of living ($13-$15 per hour). 3 positions pay in the $10-$12 range, and the remaining 6-7 positions are stepping-stone jobs that pay minimum wage (currently $8.25 per hour).

None of the people earning $13-$15 per hour have completed college. They have just busted their butts to prove they deserve to make that wage. They work very hard, have mentally draining hours, and earn every penny (if not more) of what they make and our store could not function without their efforts. The other 3 people that make $10-$12 per hour have worked for me for a long time and do a great job. I want to reward them and make them feel special, so I pay them extra, but their job is not nearly as hard or demanding as the first set of people.

Even at those wages, those 7-8 people cannot raise a family alone on those wages. They struggle to do it with the help of their spouse’s salaries. The last 6-7 people make $8.25 per hour. They are needed and appreciated, but honestly, this wage may already be too much. These positions are not “career” positions, they are merely stepping-stone jobs for high school and college students, before they better themselves into a higher paying position (whether that is with me or elsewhere).

There is only a limited amount of funds that can be spent on wages at any business. This is especially true at my pharmacy. With the catastrophic effects that Obama care and insurances have placed on profitability in recent years, I would have already been forced to sell or close my pharmacy, if I was not 22 years through a 25 year payoff of my purchase. (This is all while doing more prescriptions and business than ever, but that is another topic).

So, where will that extra money come from that “Lawmakers” are trying to mandate? Since I am not the State of Illinois, and I can’t just take other’s money to pay my payroll, I have only two choices:

  • Pay all the people that deserve the money, and really do need it to raise a family, LESS.
  • Employ less people.

Since, I can’t see paying people that really deserve the money less, I will be forced to employ less minimum wage people. In the 22 years I have worked at Sullivan Drugs, we have employed 100’s of high school and college kids, which has given them some money while going on to be productive members of society. This number will have to be cut in half, as well as the customer service that goes along with it. It will take much longer to get help finding or picking out a gift, or getting a present wrapped for free, because it will have to happen between checking out people.

Next look at the negative impact this will have on the people who were already making $10.50+ per hour.   They will feel defeated, because all of the time, effort and hard work they put in to get them in a position to make more than minimum wage has just been negated. They will not be making that much more than the high school kid using the job for extra money. And that high school person is not nearly as hard working, responsible or dependable. All of this, for the person this was SUPPOSED to help (the person making minimum wage) will now have a much harder time finding a job. Could “Lawmakers” be any more clueless on the negative ramifications of this action?

Advertisement

Owen Sullivan
Owner/pharmacist at Sullivan Drugs, Carlinville

– – – – – – – – – – – – – –

There are plenty of ways to keep up on BenGil news:

Sign up for our weekly email newsletter

Follow us on Twitter for the fastest breaking news updates and score updates

Like us on Facebook for a slightly different take

Advertisement
Share this story

Comments

comments

Letters to the Editor

Letter: Domestic violence is prevalent in Macoupin County

Published

on

Dear Editor,

Domestic Violence within Macoupin County is prevalent. It is destructive and can be both physical and psychological. It can affect anyone of any age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. It may include behaviors meant to scare, physically harm, or control a partner. While every relationship is different – domestic violence generally involves an unequal power dynamic in which one partner tries to assert control over the other in a variety of ways. The following statistics are all according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

We can see domestic violence inside the home: through the use and control of household pets. In one study, 85% of survivors who experienced co-occurring animal abuse reported that the behavior of their pets had changed. An even higher percentage of survivors who reported partners had harmed or killed their pet, have also reported their partner for domestic violence. We can also see an increase usage of firearms within the intimate partner violence home. A survey of contacts by the National Domestic Violence Hotline found (of those with access to firearms):  

  • 10% said their abusers had fired a gun during an argument.  
  • 67% believed their abusers were capable of killing them. 

We can see domestic violence inside our schools: as partner violence is not exclusive to the home. There are many instances of violence between dating partners that begin in high school. Nearly 1.5 million high school students in the United States are physically abused by dating partners every year. Within those relationships, 13.4% of male high school students report being physically or sexually abused by a dating partner.  

We can see domestic violence inside our community: Macoupin County provides a specific set of needs for those victims and survivors of domestic violence. There are several complex concerns within a violent relationship that come to light once action has been taken. Safe Families sees a few main re-occurring concerns within the county:  

  • Survivors have fewer financial resources, making them more financially dependent on an abusive partner.  
  • The lack of rental units or other affordable housing options makes it more difficult for survivors to leave spouses or co-habiting abusers.  

The Macoupin County Safe Families program provides support for residents as they journey the emotional endeavors to leave behind domestic violence. As a contributor to that experience, we will be hosting a Domestic Violence Awareness Walk on October 7th on the Carlinville Square. An event shirt will be included with a ticket sale. The online tickets will close 09/29 at 5pm. Tickets will be sold at 9am day-of event at the Safe Families booth. More information about the Awareness Walk can be found on our website at mcphd@mcphd.net. We urge Macoupin County residents to join us and rally against domestic violence together.  

Juliet Wooldridge and Lilly Booth

Domestic Violence Advocate Coordinators
Community Health Worker
Macoupin County Safe Families

Advertisement
Share this story

Comments

comments

Continue Reading

Letters to the Editor

Letter: National Health Center Week is week of August 6

Published

on

Dear Editor,

Community Health Centers are the backbone of our nation’s primary health care system. We design innovative, integrated primary care based on what services communities need most — ensuring access to affordable, quality healthcare for over 30 million people. In addition to creating jobs and saving lives, collectively we save American taxpayers $24 billion a year in health care costs by preventing and managing chronic diseases.

Community Health Centers are not ordinary medical clinics; we are also problem-solvers who reach beyond the exam room to care for the whole person by providing access to necessities like food, transportation, and housing. Community Health Centers care for everyone, regardless of insurance status. Nationwide during hurricanes, floods, and fires, and locally during the pandemic, Community Health Centers are first on the scene and are vital to keeping America healthy.

The 2023 theme of National Health Center Week is ‘The Roadmap to a Stronger America.’ Community Health Centers serve as the beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, we offer support and love. In moments of triumph, we offer hope and a vision for the future. This year’s National Health Center Week theme takes us on a virtual road trip across America, highlighting the achievements and amazing work being done at Community Health Centers in every state and territory. Celebrate the uniqueness of our community and get to know others as we journey across the U.S. together!

Each day of National Health Center Week is dedicated to a particular focus area. We will be working with community partners to recognize and celebrate each of the following focus groups in our community.

As part of National Health Center Week 2023, we invite you to support Macoupin Community Health Centers, Inc. to celebrate our mission and accomplishments.

Christy Blank
CEO/Public Health Administrator
Macoupin Community Health Centers, Inc.
Macoupin County Public Health Department

Advertisement
Share this story

Comments

comments

Continue Reading

Letters to the Editor

Letter: Drobney family thanks the community

Published

on

To the great people of Macoupin County.

Although several months have past, the family of Bridget Drobney would like to extend their deepest gratitude for the overwhelming love and support that we received during the recent attempt to secure the release of one of Bridget’s rapist/murderers. We are truly grateful for the numerous letters that were written and sent to the Governor of our state, the Illinois Prison Review Board, and the personal outreach to our family; all of which demonstrated your unwavering love and support. Your efforts were instrumental in persuading the Governor and members of the Prison Review Board to deny clemency for Bridget’s murderer.

While it remains a possibility for the individuals involved in Bridget’s kidnapping, rape and murder to annually petition for clemency, The Drobney family takes solace in knowing that the exceptional people of Macoupin County will steadfastly oppose any such requests and stand ready to fight should the matter of clemency arise again. We are particularly grateful to retired Macoupin County State’s Attorney, Vincent Moreth, as well as the current members of the Macoupin County State’s Attorney’s Office, under the leadership of State Attorney, Jordan Garrison. Their unwavering dedication and support was evident as they traveled to Chicago to represent Bridget and the Drobney family during the clemency hearing.

Once again, we express our sincerest appreciation for your profound support and unwavering commitment to justice. Your solidarity has been a source of strength for us during these difficult years. We will keep you in our prayers and will be forever grateful to the people of Macoupin County.

Sincerely,
The Drobney Family

Share this story

Comments

comments

Continue Reading

Trending

×

We need your support. If you value having timely, accurate news about your community, please become one of our subscribers. Subscribe