What’s happening?
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore testified at a hearing on Monday in support of a bill that would raise Maryland’s minimum wage to $15 an hour this year, instead of waiting two more years as existing legislation dictates, David Collins reports for WBAL TV-11.
What did Moore say during his testimony?
At the hearing, Moore outlined his proposal to increase minimum wage and tie it to the rate of inflation, increasing the minimum wage in conjunction with economic conditions. Moore’s plan would raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour this October and, starting in July 2025, would fix future increases to inflation up to 5%.
“Without indexing, Maryland families will fall further and further behind over time,” Moore said. “Those who say it’s either one or the other are frankly offering a false choice.”
More than a dozen groups at the hearing opposed the governor’s plan, including some local chambers of commerce that expressed concerns that the bill would paint Maryland as anti-business. Others said that the increase in labor costs would harm employment opportunities.
Anything else I should know?
Maryland’s minimum wage increased on the first of this year to $13.25, up from $12.50. Under the current law, minimum wage will increase to $14 on Jan. 1. 2024.
You can read more here.
