ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland has become the sixth state in the nation to approve a gradual minimum wage increase to $15 an hour.
The Maryland General Assembly overrode Gov. Larry Hogan's veto of the measure Thursday.
The measure will raise the state's minimum wage from $10.10 to $15 an hour by 2025. The first increase will be to $11 next year. Businesses with fewer than 14 employees will have until July of 2026 to reach $15.
Democrats, who control the legislature, say the increase is needed because the cost of living has become high for basic needs. Republicans, including Hogan, say it will hurt the state's economy and drive jobs away.
California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York also have approved a $15 minimum wage, as well as the District of Columbia.
Eastern Shore Legislators
Meanwhile, Eastern Shore legislators overwhelmingly voted to uphold the governor’s veto except for the Democrat Sheree Sample-Hughes cast her vote to override.
The Salisbury Daily Times reports that Delegate Charles Otto said the increase would be detrimental to the Eastern Shore while State Senator Addie Eckardt said she had heard an overwhelming outpouring of opposition to a hike in the minimum wage.
