The Baltimore Sun reports that support is building among lawmakers to raise Maryland’s minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to at least $10 an hour. Why now? Donald F. Norris, professor and chair of public policy at UMBC, says, “People are running in a primary election for governor, that’s what’s different.”
In addition to citing the support some candidates hope to get from labor, Norris says he also senses a legitimate concern among politicians about the growing number of workers who have been struggling, since the recession, to survive on $7.25 an hour. Whether or not this support translates into the legislation that will pass may also depend on legislators from the more conservative districts who are facing re-election, Norris notes.
Norris also commented in the recent Baltimore Sun story “O’Malley kicks off ‘Better Choices’ tour.” He suggests this series of policy forums will serve three purposes: promoting the governor’s record in advance of a possible presidential bid, supporting Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown in his gubernatorial bid, and preparing for the governor’s final legislative session.
