By Lauren Loricchio
Capital News Service, Sept 18, 2013
ANNAPOLIS – ... According to a U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report, Maryland is the fifth most expensive state to live in. But Maryland falls behind other states when it comes to minimum wage, said Matthew Hanson, program coordinator for Raise Maryland, an advocacy group that champions increasing the minimum wage. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have set a higher minimum wage, while New York lawmakers recently boosted their wage above the federal minimum. ...
Low wages have forced some workers to turn to organizations like Mid-County United Ministries, a Montgomery County nonprofit that provides financial assistance, to supplement their income. “We help people who are struggling to make ends meet and are living in one of the most expensive counties in the nation,” said Larry White, executive director of the organization. ...
“Anytime you raise the minimum wage it affects small businesses, “ Sen. Thomas “Mac” Middleton, D- Charles County, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, said.
But some business owners disagree saying they welcome the increase. Brian England, owner of British American Auto Care in Columbia, says it would be better for business.
England, who employs 19 part-time and full-time workers, says smart business owners know the value of employee retention.
“It’s a lot of work to employ people, so it pays to treat them well,” England said.
England says forcing minimum wage workers to rely on a social safety net is “fundamentally not right.”
Despite opposition from some, supporters of the raise are optimistic it will pass in the next legislative session.
“There are currently 25 co-sponsors in the Senate and 58 in the House of Delegates,” Hanson said. “This is an issue that really has incredible support across the state.”
Copyright 2013 CNS Maryland