Leftists love to talk a good game about how they are all in on fighting for workers.
But all too often what they wind up doing is effectively cutting off their noses to spite their faces.
Now Minneapolis just lost Uber and Lyft and it’s all because of one far-left policy.
The Minneapolis, Minnesota City Council is composed of zero Republicans, 12 Democrats, and one Democratic Socialist of America member.
To say that such a makeup isn’t the best situation for businesses to thrive is a decided understatement.
In a less-than-shocking turn of events, one of their choices is now set to bite their constituents in a big way.
The City Council passed a minimum wage ordinance related to “transportation network companies” known to be toxic to rideshare companies Uber and Lyft.
The mayor, Jacob Frey (D) opposed the measure and vetoed it when it came across his desk, but that veto was overridden by the radicals on the City Council.
The predictable response is that both companies have released statements condemning the vote and are acting on promises previously made.
Uber and Lyft: We’re out of Minneapolis
Lyft will shut down operations in Minneapolis at the beginning of May but it’s unclear if that applied to just the city or whether they would also shut down in the greater area.
Lyft said in a statement, “This ordinance is deeply flawed, and the rates it sets are far higher than what the state’s study suggested. We support a minimum earning standard for drivers, but it should be done in an honest way that keeps the service affordable for riders. This ordinance makes our operations unsustainable, and as a result, we are shutting down operations in Minneapolis when the law takes effect on May 1. We will continue to advocate for a statewide solution in Minnesota that balances the needs of riders and drivers and hope to return to Minneapolis as soon as possible.”
Uber now says it’s leaving not just the city, but the entire metro area – even the airport, when the ordinance becomes law on May 1st.
In a statement, the company said, “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.”
But actions have consequences and some of those responsible for the two companies jumping the proverbial ship have received an earful from their constituents.
Angry resident: “Minneapolis City Council, you own this. Answer to every disabled Minnesotan who no longer has transportation”
Ann Bauer wrote on X, “Minneapolis City Council, you own this. Answer to every disabled Minnesotan who no longer has transportation due to your hubris and bad governance.”
Minneapolis City Council, you own this. Answer to every disabled Minnesotan who no longer has transportation due to your hubris and bad governance. @lyft https://t.co/w3sVCGfG5o
— Ann Bauer (@annbauerwriter) March 17, 2024
Richard Hanania added, “Minneapolis forces higher wages for Uber and Lyft, they pull out of the city, now there are worries the handicapped will lose the ability to travel. Socialism is the theory that you “help” vulnerable people by eliminating their jobs and making things unaffordable for them.”
Minneapolis forces higher wages for Uber and Lyft, they pull out of the city, now there are worries the handicapped will lose the ability to travel.
Socialism is the theory that you “help” vulnerable people by eliminating their jobs and making things unaffordable for them. pic.twitter.com/a9ccqaj5RA
— Richard Hanania (@RichardHanania) March 16, 2024
Now some on the Council want a do-over.
During the latest council meeting, Council Member Andrea Jenkins gave notice that she intended to move for reconsideration of the ordinance.
It remains to be seen how the situation gets resolved for Minneapolis’s inconvenienced residents.
Hopefully next time those in political power will recognize that if something isn’t broken it doesn’t need to be fixed.
Stay tuned to Blue State Blues for any updates to this ongoing story.
