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Posted on 01/17/2006 12:59:05 PM PST by MinorityRepublican
The Maryland General Assembly today voted to raise the state's minimum wage by $1 an hour, brushing aside concerns by Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) that the move would hurt small businesses.
The Democratic-led Senate voted 30-17 to override Ehrlich's veto of the legislation, which would bump the minimum wage in Maryland up to $6.15 an hour, $1 more than what is mandated by federal law. The House, also led by Democrats, voted to override Ehrlich last week.
Democrats argued that the legislation is a relatively modest measure to help working families, who also are struggling with higher gas costs and utility bills. And they said it is unlikely that Congress, which last raised the federal minimum wage in 1997, would offer assistance anytime soon.
"If you leave this to the federal government, it's not going to be done," said Sen. Thomas M. Middleton (D-Charles), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.
With today's action, Maryland will join 17 states and the District in guaranteeing a higher minimum wage than federal law requires. The District's minimum is $7 an hour. In Virginia, the rate is the same as the federal rate.
Maryland's new rate will take effect in 30 days.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Only a $1 per hour raise? The Rats are so cheap! How can anyone live off so little!?
I guess the Democrats are trying to sabotage Maryland's economy in the hopes of dooming GOP control of the governorship.
Unemployment is such a big help to working families.
This just goes hand-in-hand w/the hamstringing of Wal-Mart in MD w/their precious "let's make every1 pay for medical care". Even if half their employees are just PT teenage workers.
It's typical Dem strategy. They pass all their irresponsible legislation while the GOP is in control of the executive branch, and then they blame the GOP for the result.
This minimum wage battle we fight every year is so stupid. If the goal is to provide a "decent" wage to live on, why not make the minimum wage $30.00 per hour. That's $62,400/year for a single wage earned family or $124,800/year for two. Now, we're talking "decent". Those kinds of wages will swell union dues and state/federal coffers, eliminate those large, crooked companies for profit and make government even bigger. NUTS!!
It would be nice if there was a way to document the number of people who lose their jobs because of this.
Is it legal to fire someone (in part) because of their political affiliation or philosophy. For example, if I were a business owner forced to lay off one employee because of this - could I choose the liberal on my staff because his party voted for this? Just curious.
It's typical Dem strategy. They pass all their irresponsible legislation while the GOP is in control of the executive branch, and then they blame the GOP for the result.
Look what happened in Michigan. They raised taxes so much all the businesses moved out, now look at them.
Ping...
Is it legal to fire someone (in part) because of their political affiliation or philosophy?
That was a question.
looking for an upside, iy might be that the wage will make 'unemployment' less atractive
The govt. should mandate a minimum salary of $100,000 per year. The govt. can subsidize this mandate by printing more money.
(no, I'm not serious)
Walmart wasn't crushed. Raising the minimum wage may make it harder to find a job with 7,000 newly laid off Walmart employees competing for a smaller number of available slots for unskilled labor.
More taxpayer exodus into the South and Midwest.
Wow, Maryland is in serious contention for the liberal Guinea pigs award, eh?
Being grossly stupid is a fine reason for firing somebody.
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