Maryland Could Increase Minimum Wage by $1

A bill to raise the minimum wage in Maryland to $6.15 is on its way to Governor Robert Erlich’s desk. The state senate voted 30 to 16 last week to pass the bill, which would raise the state minimum wage to $1 over the federal mandate. An identical bill passed the general assembly last month.

According to a report by the Washignton Post, unless Erlich vetoes the bill, the new wage would take effect Oct. 1. Fiscal analysts say the bill would affect about 55,300 Marylanders, many in the service industry and more than half younger than 25.

However, the sense coming from the governor’s office is that he’s likely to veto the bill considering it’s possible affects on small business owners. Reports around the region cite business owners who note that increasing the minimum wage raises expectations among other employees that their wages should be increased accordingly, as well. Likewise, some business owners note that an increases in payroll would have to be passed onto customers.