It sounds to me that Rep. David Burns, R-Whiting, doesn't realize the responsibilities teens have these days.

My parents want me to go to college, and they will do whatever they can to make that happen. A year ago, as a sophomore at Lewiston High School, I decided to get a job. I did that so that I could be responsible for myself, and to lessen the burden on my parents. I knew what minimum wage was at the time, and I would not have gotten a job for $5.25 an hour.

Burns is saying that teens would have to decide whether getting a job was worth it at that pay scale. For some teens, however, there is no choice.

I know teens who are currently working to supplement their parents' income, as this nation is in a recession and money is hard to come by. Both of my parents work two jobs, and being able to pay for some of my own expenses helps them.

For some families, there is only one parent around, or only one parent is employed. Teens who help to support their families deserve more than $5.25.

I have to believe that Burns has other interests involved in this bill. Maybe a friend of his was complaining because he had to pay some kid who didn't work hard enough. I don't know. But I don't understand why Burns would propose such a bill with no disclosed motive.

Jake Reed, Lewiston