A few of the potential Republican candidates for president in 2016 have finally noticed the large difference in wealth and income between “the haves” and the middle class/poor; “the have nots.”

While there are many causes for this disparity, such as Reagan’s and Bush’s Trickle Down Economics (which didn’t), Republicans blame it on President Obama.

In fact, President Obama has done all he can under his authority to reduce inequality. The Republican Congress has done nothing to help. And Republicans say President Obama has exceeded his authority for what he has done!

Here are four items the Congress and the states can do to decrease the disparity and help “the have nots.”

• Raise the minimum wage. Many states and cities have done so successfully − Seattle for instance.

• Authorize an infrastructure bill to create good paying jobs. The infrastructure work and the jobs are both needed.

• Authorize low-cost or free college education to train people for high technology jobs. Many European countries offer college free.

• Get rid of “Right to Work” (for less) laws and increase labor unions. Countries and states with high union involvement have higher wages and benefits.

Richard Metayer

Mystic