The Left does not care about economic reality.
That’s why they pass so many bad laws.
And Democrats just instituted one ridiculous job-killing policy.
Minneapolis became ground zero for far-left activism after the death of George Floyd in 2020.
Since then, the city has been under siege from Democrat politicians implementing pro-crime policies that have made neighborhoods less safe.
Now Minneapolis Democrats are coming after the jobs.
Economically illiterate politicians
The City Council voted 10-3 to override a veto from liberal Mayor Jacob Frey that would have blocked a minimum wage law for ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft.
The leftists on the City Council determined that some drivers were making less than Minneapolis’s minimum wage of $15.57, which means that the companies now have to pay drivers $1.40 per mile and 51¢ per minute for all rides within the city.
City Council member Robin Wonsley, a Democratic Socialist, said triumphantly, “This is a David and Goliath story. Regular working-class people took on two corporate giants and their political allies, and won. Uber and Lyft want us to believe they are untouchable, and the status quo of exploiting workers cannot be fixed. Today’s vote demonstrated that all of this was just a question of political will. I’m so proud to have worked with these drivers every step of the way to make today’s victory a reality.”
Unsurprisingly, Uber and Lyft announced they were leaving the city, which means the workers will have even fewer opportunities.
Uber wrote in a statement, “We are disappointed the Council chose to ignore the data and kick Uber out of the Twin Cities, putting 10,000 people out of work and leaving many stranded. But we know that by working together with all stakeholders – drivers, riders and state leaders – we can achieve comprehensive statewide legislation that guarantees drivers a fair minimum wage, protects their independence and keeps rideshare affordable.”
Drivers crushing it
Travis Joseph, who’s driven for Lyft for five years in the area, said that he makes great money driving as a side hustle.
Joseph explained, “I’m in the realm of fifty dollars on a slow day to almost a hundred. There’s bonuses, there’s tips, there’s bonus areas so it just depends. I’m not sure how these drivers aren’t making fifteen dollars an hour and every driver and rider I’ve talked to has the same confusion.”
Joseph shared his tax returns with FOX 9, and he made $65,000 in 2023 driving for Lyft.
He added, “Sunday through Sunday I’m working. But if you do it right, you can make the money. . .Cars are a tax write-off, your cell phone is a tax write-off, your insurance is a tax write-off. I’m not sure how they’re not making money.”
Once again, leftist politicians are taking money out of people’s pockets while patting themselves on the back.
Stay tuned to Blue State Blues for any updates to this ongoing story.
