Why? This is great for programmers in areas like KC.

I live in KC, 130K is a GREAT salary. I think almost all tech jobs top out at low 100's here. But that is a very good living here. Er..I mean... kansas city sucks. DONT come here. Stay away. There be dragons. Its polluted, crime ridden, and full of RSTS/E machines.

Are there any programmers earning 130K in KC? Depending on where you are in the country, the new H1-B pay floor may be above the local pay ceiling for non-managerial positions.

I'm sure there are a few but isn't that the point? If all the H1B's are in CA/NY/WA maybe KC (and cities like it) will become more attractive to programmers as they raise their wages.

Even better imagine houston where there is no state tax. There's no way one can pay 130K.

I'm having a difficult time imagining a scenario where an energy company in Houston or a tech company in Austin needs to search overseas for candidates with skills who aren't worth multiples of 130K/yr in value.

There are plenty of developers making 130k in Texas.