Progressive Maryland has lobbied hard for a sufficient minimum wage for workers statewide.
The advocacy group was a major force behind the passage of Maryland?s “living wage” law earlier this year and pushed similar laws in Montgomery and Prince George?s counties.
On the heels of Howard County?s approval of living wage legislation, Progressive Maryland Executive Director Sean Dobson weighs in on the issue.
In a county like Howard, which is one of the wealthiest in the state, why should people care about providing a living wage?
Poverty isn?t good for anybody. It isn?t good for poor people or for middle-class and upper-class people. The U.S. Census tells us that poverty keeps growing. The living wage is one way we can fight poverty and reward work.
Several jurisdictions with living wage legislation, including Howard, have exemptions for nonprofits and small businesses. Why should they be off the hook?
I personally don?t think they should be exempted, but to get the votes we need, we typically have to exempt some [of these organizations]. It?s a political thing. They are well-organized politically. They have ins with the kinds of lawmakers that are sympathetic with living wage, so they get their voices heard.
But in my opinion, if any entity gets a county contract, there should be strings tied to that money.
How would you characterize the momentum of living wage legislation in Maryland?
It?s increasing. We passed it statewide and now in Howard County. I think there is a growing realization that poverty is getting worse, and the free market bromides won?t do the trick, and the government needs to act. This is a proven tool to fight poverty.
