Statement from the Greater Baltimore Committee on Baltimore Mayor's Veto of Minimum Wage Bill

BALTIMORE, March 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Below is the statement by Donald C. Fry, President and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee, on the decision today by Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh to veto legislation that would have established a minimum wage of $15 per hour in the city.

"The Greater Baltimore Committee applauds Mayor Pugh's decision to veto this legislation, which would have threatened jobs, made Baltimore an island surrounded by counties with lower business costs and hit the city budget with millions of dollars in higher labor costs it simply cannot afford.

The decision was no doubt a difficult one for the mayor. But this shows real leadership as she stayed true to the priority that Baltimore must remain competitive for growth and jobs.

The mayor also is to be applauded for demonstrating prudent fiscal management in the decision by recognizing that Baltimore has many pressing financial issues, including public safety and education, which must be addressed.

The GBC urges the council to support the mayor's veto and move on to other important issues that need the council's full attention."

The GBC, along with many of the city's large and small employers, has opposed the proposal to increase Baltimore City's minimum wage since it was first introduced last year, mainly due to concerns over the negative affect the law would have on job creation and economic prosperity. Additionally, the city's finance department estimated it would cost city government $115 million to comply with the legislation.

ABOUT THE GREATER BALTIMORE COMMITTEE:

The Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) is a regional organization of business and civic leaders that includes businesses, nonprofit organizations and educational and civic institutions. It is the leading voice for the private sector in the Baltimore region on issues relating to economic growth, job creation, workforce development, transportation, the business climate and quality of life. The GBC has approximately 500 member organizations, which include small businesses, mid-size companies, nonprofits and the largest corporations in the Greater Baltimore region.

SOURCE Greater Baltimore Committee

Related Links

http://www.gbc.org