Bill would block locals from raising minimum wage above state level

ANNAPOLIS, Md. —Legislation under consideration in Annapolis would block Baltimore City and other jurisdictions from raising the minimum wage above the state minimum.

This is one of the most divisive bills before the General Assembly. Lawmakers are split, and not along party lines. The public is conflicted with business groups opposing it and labor groups supporting it.

Members of the Baltimore City Council are outraged over the bill. A majority of City Council members want to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2022.

A rally was held Tuesday to oppose state government intrusion in local decisions to raise the minimum wage.

"The reason these great people have taken action on the local level is because we have failed to act in Annapolis, and they have failed to act in Congress," said Sen. Richard Madaleno, D-Montgomery County.

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