Leading the Way on the Minimum Wage.  Between 1997 and 2007 the federal minimum wage was stagnant at $5.15/hour.  Maryland led the way in increasing the minimum wage.  Governor O’Malley signed legislation increased the rate to $6.15 an hour.  Subsequent action by the Democratic Congress has meant further increases in the minimum wage, including future increases in 2009 to benefit Maryland workers.

Moving Towards a Living Wage.  The minimum wage is an important benefit, but still far below a living wage.  Maryland passed the first living wage law in the nation.  Since 2007, Maryland has required government contractors to pay $11.30/hour in urban and suburban areas and $8.50/hour in rural areas.  The living wage benefits 50,000 workers and their families in the state. 

Investing in a 21^st Century Economy.  The key to worker success is a vibrant economy.  Maryland has
been at the forefront of 21^st century industries including biotechnology.  As the home to the National Institutes of Health, Maryland is a natural place for the biotech industry to grow.  State investments have included almost $50 million in stem cell research funding and a biotech tax credit.  These programs
have made Maryland one of the top ten states in the country for biotech jobs, despite being just the 19^th most populous state. 

More Work to Be Done.  But Maryland is continuing to improve workers’ rights and economic opportunities.  In these difficult times, the Maryland legislature is considering an expansion of unemployment benefits to part time workers and ensuring that workers are not being misclassified as independent contractors, decreasing their access to benefits.