And One More

Literally minutes after writing that post on Republicans wanting to bring back the Gilded Age, here's a story about a Missouri state legislator introducing a bill to eliminate child labor legislation.

This act modifies the child labor laws. It eliminates the prohibition on employment of children under age fourteen. Restrictions on the number of hours and restrictions on when a child may work during the day are also removed. It also repeals the requirement that a child ages fourteen or fifteen obtain a work certificate or work permit in order to be employed. Children under sixteen will also be allowed to work in any capacity in a motel, resort or hotel where sleeping accommodations are furnished. It also removes the authority of the director of the Division of Labor Standards to inspect employers who employ children and to require them to keep certain records for children they employ. It also repeals the presumption that the presence of a child in a workplace is evidence of employment.

The article notes that this is symbolic because of federal legislation. But don't let that make you feel better--Congressional Republicans will soon be introducing similar legislation.