Controversial Bill

By: Lily Suttner

An Act to help our youth earn money, is a bill written by delegate Williams Fritz from Green Bay delegation. This bill allows people of the age between 11-13 to partake in starter jobs within their community, in order for them to be more suitable for more professional jobs in their future. This bill has yet to be presented but has been talked about by other delegates who find it controversial. There are many restrictions to this bill, like having parental permission, having to present I.D. and a maximum of 15 minors to be hired at a time.

This bill could have a great effect on children but also an effect on families and other people involved. If this bill were to pass it would ensure a system of an early savings account for these children and could also lead to an early set up of credit, these children could build. Both of these results of enacting children of the ages 11-13 to be able to work have riveting ramifications. If this bill were passed it would also lead to many questions and concerns. Three out of five delegates that were interviewed about their opinions on this bill, came up with problems that this act would run into. Some uprising was expressed and many of those concerns consisted of not knowing if the children can handle that type of stress, whether the managers of these businesses would have to babysit more than construct minor criticism, and if these children can be reliable. With these children of the younger ages of 11-13, it can be hard to get them to retain instruction and keep them in line.

Another point that was brought up was if they are reliable, this goes along with if they are able to have rides to and from work, and if they are able to find time for hours they are needed. The last common upbring that was mentioned was if this amount of stress can be handled by such young children, asking if these children can handle adults needs, and handle their coworkers needs. Two out of five delegates that were pro for this bill, brought up many good points. Some points that were made were, it exposes children to workforce experience, and it can help set up a savings stash for children who will need it for college if their parents don’t help support cologne expenses. Although both pro and con points were made about this bill, there are compromises that can be made as well. One compromise is to have more advertising for volunteering within these children’s communities to help get them involved and be able to have a basic understanding of what their future commitment in the workforce will look like. There are many good points to both sides of this bill, and that is what makes this controversial in the eyes of the Wisconsin delegates.