'An Example Of How You Get To Be A Rat Hole' — Kevin O'Leary Slams California As The 'No. 1 Loser State' In Response To The $50 Per Hour Federal Minimum Wage Push

In response to the proposal for a $50 per hour minimum wage by Rep. Barbara Lee, D-California, investor and TV personality Kevin O’Leary offered a critical perspective, emphasizing the underlying issues he believes should be the focus of economic discussions rather than significant wage increases. 

“The problem with that narrative is it does not discuss the root issue,” O’Leary told Fox Business on Feb. 14. He pointed out that, in his view, California’s economic and governance challenges are central to the state’s difficulties, rather than the level of minimum wage alone.

O’Leary elaborated on his criticism of California’s management, describing the state as “the worst managed” in the union. He highlighted San Francisco as an example of how poor governance and lack of executional skills can lead to decline, calling it “an example of how you can get to being a rat hole over 10 years. It is an absolute war zone.” 

This assessment underlines O’Leary’s argument that simply raising the minimum wage does not address the deeper issues of inefficiency and poor management that he sees plaguing the state.

O’Leary did not mince words about his overall opinion of California’s status, adding, “That place is a loser state. The No. 1 loser state on my list of winners and losers.” This bold declaration solidifies his critical view of California’s economic and governance structures.

O’Leary questioned the effectiveness of imposing high minimum wages as a solution, suggesting that it could lead to further inefficiencies and fail to solve the underlying problems. He proposed, “So why not discuss better management of the resources versus just continuing to pay for inefficiency and lack of executional skills?” By framing the issue in this way, O’Leary emphasizes his belief that focusing on improving management and governance would be more beneficial than mandating a substantial increase in the minimum wage.

Through his comments, O’Leary provides a critique of the proposed $50 per hour minimum wage, framing it as a misguided solution that overlooks the more significant challenges of economic competitiveness and state management. His response to Lee’s proposal underscores a broader debate on how best to address economic disparities and the cost of living, suggesting a need for a more comprehensive approach that goes beyond wage adjustments.

O’Leary’s stance reflects a broader concern about the sustainability and practicality of such a significant increase in the minimum wage, especially in a state grappling with complex economic and governance challenges. His remarks invite a deeper examination of the structural issues within California’s economy and the potential consequences of policy decisions on the state’s competitiveness and overall management efficiency.

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