Gov. O'Malley Says He Will Focus On Minimum Wage Hike
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Gov. Martin O'Malley says he will be focusing his energy on raising the state's minimum wage in his last legislative session as Maryland's governor.
O'Malley on Tuesday underscored the minimum wage hike as a top priority a day before the state's 90-day session is scheduled to begin.
The term-limited Democratic governor spoke at a luncheon of the Maryland Democratic Party. He says when workers have the ability to spend more money, the economy does better.
Maryland's minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. O'Malley says 21 other states have a higher minimum wage than Maryland, which he says has the highest median income in the nation.
While the governor pledged his commitment to push for an increase, it remains unclear how much.
Maryland's 90-day legislative session convenes at noon on Wednesday.
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