Bill Positions

Bill Number: HB 106

Bill Title: State Procurement Contracts - Living Wage

Bill Sponsor(s): Delegate Davis

Subject: Procurement

Committee: ECM

Bill Summary: This bill would eliminate the 2-tiered wage rate in the living wage law, and require a minimum wage of $11.30 per hour be paid by certain vendors on state service contracts statewide.

History: A living wage law was enacted in 2007 that requires certain vendors on state service contracts to pay a minimum wage of $11.30 per hour in 6 metropolitan counties and $8.50 per hour in the other 18 counties.

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: Requiring employers with state service contracts to pay a minimum wage of $11.30 per hour in rural areas of the state will further distort wage levels for private employers and cost the state funds by paying above market wages.

Position Statement: Click here to download a pdf version of the Maryland Chamber's position statement.

Chamber Staff: Ron Wineholt

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.