Maryland governor, Martin O’Malley, signed a bill yesterday mandating a living wage for all workers of companies with government contracts valued over $100,000. The bill requires that workers in urban areas to be paid at least $11.30 and hour and workers in rural areas be paid at least $8.50 per hour. Both wage rates will be adjusted annually for inflation.
This is a boost for the living wage movement’s goal to create equitable communities. Let’s hope more states follow Maryland’s example.