Despite support from some Portland elected officials, Mayor Michael Brennan’s proposal to increase the minimum wage, if approved, would likely not go into effect until 2016.
The Forecaster quoted Brennan as saying at a City Council Finance Committee meeting on Jan. 22 that he doesn’t “hear much sentiment” for a minimum wage increase this year.
However, the proposal to raise the minimum wage from $7.50 an hour to $9.50 could face a committee vote on March 12 and, if it moves forward from there, a City Council vote by early April.
Three city councilors in the finance committee said they are receptive to a minimum wage increase. But City Councilor Jill Duson said she isn’t sure by how much yet.
Brennan’s proposal, as presented in December, would have increased the minimum wage to $9.50 an hour by July 1, to $10.10 on Jan. 1, 2016, and then to $10.68 on Jan. 1, 2017, with annual increases to follow based on cost of living adjustments.
Read more
Report: Mainers on low wages face tougher times
Maine poll finds broad support for wage hike
Attorney: Portland’s wage hike proposal is risky
Minimum wage hike proposed for Bangor
