Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

jpak

(41,741 posts)
Thu Mar 17, 2016, 04:48 PM Mar 2016

Maine Democrats deal blow to competing minimum wage effort

Source: Bangor Daily News

AUGUSTA, Maine — Democrats in the Maine House of Representatives on Thursday dealt a crucial blow to business groups looking to undercut a ballot initiative from progressive groups to raise the state’s hourly minimum wage to $12.

The House voted 78-69 — with only one Republican, Rep. Kevin Battle of South Portland, joining majority Democrats except one, Rep. Martin Grohman of Biddeford — against a motion to send the citizens’ initiative, backed by the Maine People’s Alliance and labor unions, to a legislative committee before going to Maine voters in November.

The bill faces action in the Republican-controlled Senate, but if the House stays consistent in a future vote, the question will go to voters without the competing measure that groups including the Maine State Chamber of Commerce have lobbied for.

“This is the right thing to do,” said Matt Schlobohm, executive director of the Maine AFL-CIO, which supports the citizens’ initiative. “Maine voters have spoken, and the Legislature did the right thing by respecting the will of the voters.”

<more>

Read more: http://bangordailynews.com/2016/03/17/politics/state-house/maine-democrats-deal-blow-to-competing-minimum-wage-effort/



1 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Maine Democrats deal blow to competing minimum wage effort (Original Post) jpak Mar 2016 OP
Democrats acting like Democrats!!! wolfie001 Mar 2016 #1

wolfie001

(2,131 posts)
1. Democrats acting like Democrats!!!
Thu Mar 17, 2016, 05:32 PM
Mar 2016

How'd a thunk it! Except for one Martin Grohman, who must be a corporate sellout.

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Maine Democrats deal blow...