Close To Home: Maryland Raises Min Wage

Minimum wage workers in Maryland could soon start to see an increase in pay.

On Saturday the Maryland Senate voted to raise the minimum wage to $10.10.

The hike is expected to be at its full increase by 2018. An increase of .75 cent begins Jan 1, 2015 - that is, if Congress approves. If it does Maryland governor Mark O'Malley can sign legislation into law.

"Lawmakers did the right thing giving so many Maryland families the raise they deserve", O'Malley said.

Echoing Governor O'Mally, President Obama said in a statement today, "The Maryland Legislature did the right thing for its workers today by increasing the state minimum wage to $10.10 an hour.

With states like Maryland, and other states setting the example, President Obama is hoping all states will eventually follow suit.

"Maryland’s important action is a reminder that many states, cities and counties – as well as a majority of the American people – are way ahead of Washington on this crucial issue", he said.

But there is an opposing hurdle to consider.

"... there’s only one group who can get the job done for the entire country – that’s Congress. They should follow Maryland’s lead and lift wages for 28 million Americans by passing legislation to increase the federal minimum wage to $10.10, helping to ensure that no American who works full time has to raise a family in poverty, and that every American who works hard has the opportunity to succeed."

See also
Maryland faith leaders call for MW increase

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