JACKSON, MISS– New labor laws from the Obama administration could have a major impact nationally and on the economy in Mississippi, said Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss).
“A big-government agenda has always been the Obama Administration’s approach. This intrusiveness has affected Americans’ lives in very personal ways, from choosing a health-care provider to irrigating private property,” said Senator Wicker. ” Now the U.S. Department of Labor is further expanding the Administration’s overreach with two controversial new rules that could have a major impact on Americans’ careers and retirement planning.”
One of the new laws extends overtime pay requirements to entry-level salaried workers.
“The additional labor costs might force these organizations to provide fewer services or raise prices,” said a statement from Wicker’s office. “Young people with their first full-time job could be reclassified as hourly workers, limiting opportunities for promotions. Some economic analysts doubt that employees will actually see their take-home pay increase.”
The University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and Jackson State University have all warned that the overtime rule, which goes into effect later this year, will cost millions of dollars. These added expenses could be passed on to students in the form of increased tuition.
