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Living Wage

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much is a living wage?

The wage level isn’t set at a dollar figure but is indexed to the federal food stamp eligibility level for a family of four. This figure is currently $11.03 per hour or about $22,000 per year.

Why do we need a living wage in Maryland?

Even though Maryland just raised its minimum wage to $6.15 per hour, that still leaves a worker far below the poverty level. A parent with a full time minimum wage job has to work 100 hours per week to afford the average two bedroom apartment in Maryland. At that wage level, employees must rely on taxpayer-funded funded food stamp and safety net programs to survive.  The Living Wage Bill will make sure that companies that accept public money are creating good jobs for Maryland residents.

Won’t the living wage law drive businesses out of the county?

There is no evidence that businesses relocate or stop bidding on government contracts due to living wage laws. Businesses locate in Maryland because it’s a great place to do business, not because of the economic incentives they’re given to come here. Maryland boasts one of the best school systems in the nation, a highly trained work-force, and an extensive public transportation system.

Aren’t most minimum wage earners high school kids or adults just working to supplement the family’s income?

Actually, only about one quarter of minimum wage earners are teenagers. Previous research shows that living wage workers are frequently the sole income earners in their families. A disproportionate percentage of minimum wage earners are African-American or Latino.