February 8th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

Maryland Governor Wes Moore is urging that by October the state’s minimum wage be raised to $15 an hour. Hiking the minimum wage is a concept that has not been embraced by the local business community. Late in 2018, the Allegany and Garrett County Chambers of Commerce along with the Cumberland Allegany County Industrial Foundation partnered with Frostburg State University to conduct a survey of Western Maryland organizations to determine their views of a proposed $15 per hour minimum wage. The results showed strong opposition with 77% of those surveyed believing an increase in the wage would have more negative consequences on rural counties in the state. The governor’s proposal, if approved, would override the current schedule that lawmakers agreed to several years ago which would not see an increase to $15 until 2025. Delegate Jason Buckel told Chamber members that Moore’s plan is disappointing…

Buckel said Moore’s proposal has strong union support for a reason…